, some may say that these are the most illustrious and influential initials ever known, and here it demonstrates the power and greatness of an individual. In the novel The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck, the character Jim Casy is a leading, principle figure that develops the main theme of strength in unity represented through Jesus Christ. Along with the same initials, Jim Casy has many other connections with the savior Jesus Christ, shown by different forms throughout the novel. Because of this correlation, Jim Casy is able to establish the importance of the human spirit as one, and with that, the strength of group unity.
In the novel, Steinbeck introduces Casy as a changed man. Once being a preacher, Casy is troubled by his ideas as he tries to come to terms with God, the human spirit, and sin. He carries weight and is important in the novel because of what he says. Casy is a wanderer of the wilderness in Christ-like fashion and is shown as a moral spokesman throughout the novel. As he partakes in this spiritual rebirth, Casy starts to narrow his thoughts as he speaks to Tom Joad and concludes, "Maybe,"I figgered, "maybe it's all men an" women we love; maybe that's the Holy Spirit-the human spirit-the whole shebang. Maybe all men got one big soul ever"body's a part of"" (Steinbeck 32). Like Christ, Casy figures that if people joined as one as the human spirit, then great things can be overcome, and people can accomplish anything, but one must be prepared to make sacrifices. He is concerned with the problems facing humanity and mankind, and contains a strong force to love people. All these characteristics are representative of Jesus Christ. Casy through deep thought is now able to realize his calling in life which is to help people reunite as he states, "I gotta see them folks that's gone out on the road They gonna need help" (71). With the refusal for people to effectively unite under the same spirit, the outcasts will become set apart from the whole, alone, with obstacles to overcome on their own.