Authority

 Well guys and gals I am finally well enough/have a chance between make-up assignments, to work on my blog post. With this open prompt I want to take a look at how Steinbeck shows authority and its abusive nature through out this novel by the police.

I want to take a look at how the cops are represented. The police in this book are portrayed as cruel and unjust. I think back to the beginning of the book when Tom first was released from prison. The moment he was let out of the institution, he was on his own to get back to where ever he lived. He was on his own instead of some sort of assistance in how to get home. Then there is the incident in chapter eighteen, when the officer rudely enters the Joad’s tent and tells Ma they will have to leave. I do not know if this is just my Southern up-bringing, but where I come from, you treat everyone, especially mothers, with the up most respect. I was completely baffled by how rude and obnoxious he was to Ma while she was nursing her sick and dying mother. Then it happened again as they were trying to cross into the valley after being forced from their tent. I understand doing your job, but when the officers were made aware of Grandma’s condition and did not act, her death is now on their hands. The officers could have helped get Grandma to a hospital and potentially, could have saved her life. What happened to the "protect" in "protect and serve"? The final incident in chapter twenty-one sent me over the edge in rage. The officer shot an innocent by-stander and then arrested an innocent man with no real charge against him!  Is this how corrupt the government used to be?