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Holiness, sin, and life are repeatedly questioned throughout John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, particularly by the former preacher, Jim Casey. As a preacher, Casey only preaches what the bible states and he resigns from his occupation after he feels the urge to pursue life's true meaning and values of the individual - basically to make sense of the world he resides in. Casey closely resembles the character and motives of Jesus Christ, as he is enthused to uncover the answers to his wonders and doubts and begins to hold new beliefs of sacrificing the self to sustain the rights of society. All the while, questions concerning the ideas and beliefs of the world circulate through Jim Casey's mind and he makes the decision to separate himself from the teachings of society to determine logical resolutions to his convoluted uncertainties. After renouncing his job as a preacher, Casey first decides to ponder his questions by going "into the wilderness like Jesus" and seeing if he can attain the 'spirit, ' while analyzing his thoughts (489 - 90). When others around him rarely observe ideas in depth, Casey transforms all of his thoughts into complex puzzles and seeks the answers little by little.
Casey believes that by taking his ideas one piece at a time, he will one day be able to encounter the "real" truth. When he first hears of the conflict between the different social classes, Casey "[throws] back his head and [looks] at the sharp stars" in deep thought, his mind poring over the controversy (77). Casey's hours of analyzing bring his thoughts together and creates for him a larger intellectual depth, which distinguishes his sole purpose from those around him. Light is used to exemplify Casey as Jesus Christ, holy and virtuous, and separate from other people. Even during insignificant situations, his character is expressed when "the light of the coming morning made his forehead seem to shine, and his hands, swinging beside him, flicked into the light and out again" (89). Casey's image as a holy figure automatically makes him a peacekeeper among the Joad family, and most of the time he succeeds in maintaining his title role.
The members of the Joad family understand that Casey is not simply a 'former preacher, ' but is someone with vigorous aura and strong beliefs on the rights of people. When Casey talks to Tom by a fire one night, "the firelight [goes] deep into his eyes and [ignites] red embers, " signifying his powerful presence (72). The light has an immense effect of portraying Casey's resemblance to Jesus Christ and shifting the primary focus onto his character and deep values. Casey essentially performs many similar tasks to Jesus Christ in comparable ways, ultimately proving his authoritative existence.
When Tom gets in a fight with a deputy officer at a camp, Casey chooses to act like he is responsible because "somebody got to take the blame, " and sacrifices himself for Tom's safety (342). Eventually Casey reunites with Tom after serving some time, and he tells that during his stay "in the jailhouse, [he] really got her, " suggesting that he has discovered a way to help resolve the conflict between the different classes of people (490). While he serves time in jail, Casey observes a semi organized revolt take place against the jail keepers and believes an organized revolt is a perfect solution to the unfair treatment of the migrant farmers. He announces the plan to Tom, but before any action can take place, Casey is killed as he shouts at the guards that "[they don' know what [they " re] a-doin" (495). Although Casey dies, his character continues to be one of importance, and his values and beliefs are passed onto Tom, who takes onto Casey's previous duty. Casey's presence is essential to the novel, serving to maintain a balance throughout the storyline.
From his questions of life, holiness, and sin, Casey is able to draw answers that help him understand the world more, which change his previous beliefs and values, establishing him as a more influential and powerful character. Many obstacles and experiences await Casey; as he overcomes each one, he resembles Jesus Christ's motives and actions progressively. On the whole, Casey comes to believe in placing another person's life before his, sacrificing himself to ensure a peace - holding the belief as his sole purpose in life.
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Research essay sample on Jesus Christ Jim Casey
