Jim Casey: The Paraclete Philosopher

Jim Casey: The Paraclete Philosopher

It is a widely accepted theory, in any field of knowledge that a whole is the sum of its parts. Simple mathematics dictates that one plus one is always greater than one and science shows that a forced combined with another always greater than the original. Such a principle has become a strong motive behind many incidents in history, in which individuals have assembled into a group to become an increasingly powerful and influential force. In John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, thousands of farmers are affected by the economic, climatic, and agricultural problems during the depression and are forced to migrate to the promising land of California. As these migrants make their long, and treacherous journey across the deserts America, they are faced with numerous predicaments, most of forces them onto the brink of survival. As the story progresses, spiritual and mental growth becomes evident among each character as they make the transition from an "I" level of thinking to a "we".

One such character is the ex preacher, Jim Casy. Although his actions are not directly influential to the story's plot, it is his philosophies on life and religion that affect the events, as well as the other characters, in the story. When the Joad's reach California a mishap occurs with the police, and Tom is found guilty of leading a labor union. With Tom already in trouble for leaving his parole in Oaklahoma, Casey steps in and takes Tom's place. He tells Al Joad "Somebody got to take the blame. I got no kids. They'll jus' put me in jail, an' I ain't doin' nothin' but set around" (265-6). The former preacher selflessly puts his life out on the line in order to help those around him like Tom Joad so he can stay with his family..This was only the beginning of his deeds for after his release from the county jail, he was found bringing