From "I" To "We"

This thesis is intended to analyze Steinbeck’s idea of the phalanx embodied in his novel The Grapes of Wrath. It first gives a systematic introduction to Steinbeck’s idea of the phalanx, particularly the influence of Emerson and Jung on its development. It then summarizes the major aspects of this idea:individuals’ commitment to the phalanx, the growth of phalanx members’individualities, phalanx members’ pursuit of a humanitarian goal, and the reciprocal relationship between individuals and the phalanx. Then it elucidates the major aspects of the idea of the phalanx embodied in the novel. Next it centers on Steinbeck’s techniques to highlight his idea of the phalanx, i.e. his techniques of characterization and description of the migrants’shared activities.The study shows that the major aspects of Steinbeck’s idea of the phalanx are embodied in the novel. It also proves that, among the voluminous readings of the novel, the idea of the phalanx is a workable way in its own terms. As such an idea is a continuous and indispensable part of Steinbeck’s philosophical thinking, this study compensates for domestic researches in this area, especially in the study of the major aspects of the idea of the phalanx and its relation to Emerson’s Oversoul and Jung’s collective unconscious.