Cyrus Avery was a businessman who saw the need for better roads in his home state, Oklahoma. He proposed the idea of a highway from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California, which was soon approved in 1926. This iconic highway was named U.S. 66, also called the "Main Street of America", appropriately named because many travelers migrated through that route during the 1930's to get to the promise land, California, including the Joads.
The route as shown on the left Source
However expansive Route 66 was, it brought people together nevertheless. Hitchhikers were infused with tight knit families, creating an even tighter bond between two unlikely groups. Men of the families joined together to create travel plans, working together to increase productivity. Women banded together to comfort the young, and to provide essentials to the men. All these somewhat forced relationships were made with one purpose in mind, to survive. This is shown in the book by the alliance between the Joad's and the Wilson's, and how they stuck together to fix the Wilson's car and to bury Grampa. It was essential that these ties occurred to withstand the grueling 2400 mile highway and the challenges it brought with it.
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment