Religion In Ernest Hemingway's Grapes Of Wrath

Grant establishes himself as an atheist early in the novel, and continuously admits his resent towards the church and his rejection of the bible. The only thing that was able to feel any form of religious faith and acceptance was when he was with Grant, “I felt like someone who had just found religion. I felt like crying with joy. I really did,” (Gaines 186). Grant has never felt the unity that religion can bring to an individual once they experience it. The religious dominance in Grant’s town helps unite every individual, and Grant desperately desired that closeness that it can bring. Once he becomes closer to Jefferson, however, he begins to experience the love and joy that people associate with a religious affiliation and enjoys it. On top
I am not that kind of person, but I want you to be. You could give something to her, to me, to those children in the quarter. You could give something I never could. They expect it from me, but not from you. The white people out there are saying you don’t have it—that you’re a hog, not a man. But I know they are wrong.” (191). Grant deems Jefferson as a hero; he repeatedly mentions that Jefferson has what it takes to change the community and end the racism prevailing in their community. He recognizes Jefferson as something more than a hog; he knows he is an individual and is the most capable of saving the black civilians, even if the whites doubt it and equate him to an animal. Jesus brought enlightenment to all of the Jewish individuals before his death. He helped people feel things they had never felt before. Not only that, but he also was a very hated individual by those who opposed him, yet he refused to return that hate, and was quickly recognized as a heroic figure and was quickly idolized, and as is Jefferson. He becomes quickly praised by Grant, and grants enlightenment in such a way that Grant feels the unity and happiness religion can