The Grapes of Wrath, a novel by John Steinbeck, contains a total of 30 chapters. This classic work, published in 1939, tells the story of the Joad family and their harrowing journey from the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma to California during the Great Depression.
Steinbeck divides the narrative into chapters that alternate between the family’s story and intercalary chapters that provide broader commentary on societal issues, such as poverty and injustice. This structure enhances the thematic depth of the novel and allows readers to grasp the larger context of the characters’ struggles. By presenting the family’s plight alongside social commentary, Steinbeck effectively conveys the impact of economic hardship on individuals and communities.