poor Mr. Turtle...

The Grapes of Wrath introduces the land turtle at the beginning of the third chapter. The turtle, while seemingly unrelated to the plot, has an important role in symbolism. Steinbeck cunningly uses this humble creature to represent one of the greatest hardships faced in America: the Dust Bowl and mass immigration to California.
The turtle never stops for anything. Dragging mundanely ahead, he heaves his shell along. This is such a simple action demanding tremendous effort. The mournful walk of the turtle through the desolate land parallels the dreadful journey hundreds made to California. His fierce eyes stare straight ahead, never diverting to the right or left. Sheer willpower drives him up the steep embankment and across the treacherous highway. While the turtle searches for something to move on to, the reader sees nothing worth the trouble in this wilderness.
The unbearable slowness of the journey signifies the sheer hopelessness, but dire need to get out of this hell-hole. It is a vast, endless expanse that this poor little turtle is exiled to. Though the Joads did move on, if Oklahoma was the frying pan, then California was the fire. They became homeless, jobless aliens.

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