P3+KWilson

Grapes of Wrath Synthesis Essay
Throughout the nation and the world altogether, injustice can be found in every society. The definition of injustice (according to the American Heritage Dictionary: Fourth Edition) is the “violation of another’s rights or of what is right”. With this, it is appropriate and necessary to understand that acts of injustice occur throughout all societies. An individual in a society can distinguish something from right or wrong based upon the definition of injustice. With the basic knowledge of any human being, an individual’s role in confronting injustice and distinguishing right from wrong can be accessed via morals, religion, and the surrounding factors influencing the individual leading to experience. If an individual lacks a dictionary and does not know what injustice is, they can follow their basic morals of humanity and any religious practices. “** Pray God ** some day kind people won't all be poor. ** Pray God ** some day a kid can eat. And the association of owners knew that some day the praying would stop” (Steinbeck). An individual will not initiate a change unless they take action. Yes, relying on a religion for support and motivation can probably be helpful, however it will not be able to make a physical adjustments to a society with injustice. With this, it is understandable that an individual must take a stand in confronting injustice whether or not it is their specific duty. To distinguish right from wrong, they simply need to look at the products of their society. They must note what is occurring: is anyone benefiting from these changes? Does the entire society agree? What is the problem if there is one? “The granaries were full and the children of the poor grew up rachitic, and the pustules of pellagra swelled on their sides” (Steinbeck). To any individual in any society, this description of disease on a child (or any living being for that matter) is absolutely disgusting and sick. This symbolizes the way the children have been molded from their society and life. If anyone is suffering or in affected in any negative aspect, there is a problem, and the individual can confront this injustice in many ways. First, there is power in numbers. Maybe one individual can bring some significant change, however it is more likely that any positive achievements will come from one. “…The work of comparatively a few individuals using the standing government as their tool; for, in the outset, the people would not have consented to this measure” (Thoreau). This demonstrates again that power is found in numbers. Steinbeck too alludes to all of the ruckus occurring in the over-night “circuses” (as they appeared) where it was a fight for survival: everyone against everyone. If change is required, a group will do more damage than a solitary individual: unification is the only way to complete success. Because an individual is molded by their society, another way for them to understand and distinguish right from wrong can be found in their experience; making these individuals products of their environment. // "And the families learned, although no one told them, what rights are monstrous and must be destroyed..." (Steinbeck) //. Experience is the best type of knowledge. One is not told, not explained to, and not even seen, but has literally and physically gone through a process that is important enough to remember. Steinbeck describes a turtle, where the creature is going across the road, in an innocent matter and minding its own business, when along comes a car who sympathetically tries to avoid hitting it. With this generous maneuver, the turtle is still alive, however more cautious for another car. Not long after, another car comes by. This time, the driver purposely swerves towards the turtle, chipping off a piece of its shell and spinning it out of control. The turtle survives. The difference between these two drivers demonstrates the difference between right and wrong. The injustice is found in that another driver purposely hit the turtle while the other inadvertently disrespected the poor creature but avoided hitting it. In Perkin’s writing about the homeless, he simply notes all of the statistics in what is occurring in today’s society. This portrays to the Americans the values of how a society affects an individual. If these homeless individuals stuck together, they could probably survive more efficiently and have a more sanitary environment. However, because no one has stepped up for these sick people, homeless people are seen as pathetic wastes due to their lack of duty in a society. “ // Much Dumpster diving is a matter of experience for which nothing will do except practice" (Eighner). Eighner experiences all of his practices in dumpster diving. This shows that it is probably not a very easy thing to do, as well as standing up against injustice is not easy. With this, it can be construed that an individual must make more than one act against injustice to make any progress against what is “right”. In order to know what’s right, this individual must practice, and the cycle continues between the two. // //  An individual can distinguish what is right and wrong based upon their birth given morals, religion, and experience throughout their lives. Because all humans universally are products of their environment, the route in which they choose to confront injustice and do what is right will vary. With this, it is also realized that it’s the individual’s duty to recruit others to help promote this sense of righteousness. All in all, an individual’s role is standing up for their rights through the basics of their morals, religion, and experience. //

kwilson p.3