Term Paper on Unionism in the Grapes of Wrath

Term Paper on Unionism in the Grapes of Wrath Dmytruk PAGE 6Dmytruk, OleksandrEnglish 8 HonorsMs.Leyow26 May 2010Forgotten StruggleThe period before the Great Depression was known as the "dark age" for the unions throughout the United States. During this time, monopolies took a center stage in the national life to cover the actual labor misery behind the scenes. In John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, the family of migrant farmers is used to penetrate the forgotten struggle of American labor. It serves as a corner stone to remind the public of the true history. It is the past where a common man was left in shreds to stay by himself. One of the critical elements is union organization for the common interest in an age where business is united under centralized patronages. Therefore, the novel is the window into the past, illustrating the idea of unity as a resort against tyranny and monopoly.United StatesThe struggle between the large business and organized labor is an extensive aspect of American history in the 1930's; this unf air battle was lost in time, but it has to be uncovered in order to serve as a reminder of the brutal past.Throughout the early 20th century, the organized labor was viewed as a part of a radical agenda. Starting with the Russian Revolution, labor organizers and their followers were associated with the Communist take over. Unions such as Cannery, Agriculture, and Industrial Workers Union were falsely accused of conspiracy and anarchy, "[the] strike led to the arrest of 14 CAIWU leaders in Sacramento in July 1934," (Migration News 2). One example of similar treatment is seen in the argument between a migrant farmer called Floyd Knowles from the novel and a deputy. In this manner Floyd Knowles is used as an example to demonstrate false accusations that...