The novel is told from a third-person omniscient point of view. This brings us close enough to each of the characters to get a peek into their motivations and see their fears and hopes, while keeping us distant enough to see the panorama that Steinbeck paints of the sprawling camp, the wide valley and the larger world beyond which is mirrors.
Considerable use of conversation gives the readers varying points of view, presents the popular arguments of the time and makes extensive use of the catch phrases and propaganda of both sides. Conversation also allows Steinbeck to give us a sense of the flavor of the language used by the pickers. It gives us more of a sense of knowing them and covers the lack of deep characterization in the novel.
The setting is.....
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