Steinbeck's characterization of Jim Casy in The Grapes of Wrath derives from Emersonian thought, as expressed in Emerson's essay “The Over-Soul.” Jim Casy forms beliefs based on the ideas presented in this piece, as is evident from his action of stopping preaching and his understanding that educating others by lecturing them is futile. This enlightened leader learns to interact with his soul and recognize the presence of a spirit greater than man himself. The presence of Emeron's ideas is ever present in the novel, as Casy is able to pass these concepts down to Tom Joad before his death, symbolizing the universality of the “Over-Soul”. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay “The Over-Soul” inspired Steinbeck to create the intellectual Jim Casy, the most enlightened character introduced in the novel. When Casy is first introduced to readers, his journey to discover his soul has already begun. When, on his way home from prison, Tom Joad recognizes Casy as the preacher who baptized him, Casy immediately corrects him, saying, “I used to be a preacher… I don't get the call anymore. I have a lot of sinful ideators, but they seem sensible enough. (20). This statement is the epitome of Casy's transformation as a character. He disconnects with God and reconnects with his soul, and subsequently with man himself. As the novel continues, Casy realizes that preaching brings no value to the common man. Rather, the real truth, taught by the universal spirit, can only be learned through moral action. This is a key concept in Emerson's “The Over-Soul.” Here, states Emerson, “the action of the soul is most often in what is felt and not said.” The importance of inner acceptance is highlighted here. Both authors emphasize the concept that true growth and learning comes from within. Casy begins to understand that preaching is the exact opposite of this truth. By listening to his own soul, rather than the lessons others try to teach him, he will learn to do what is right. The Grapes of Wrath also shows traces of "The Over-Soul" through Casy's explanation of man as part of something greater. of himself: “[M]haps it is all the men and all the women we love; maybe that's the Holy Spirit, the human spirit, the whole thing. Perhaps all men have a great soul of which they are all a part. (24). Once he comes to this realization, Casy begins to lead by example. He forms a union to show others that one man is not as important as the whole society. It urges many to join it to prevent further exploitation of the Okies, to prevent further damage to the proclaimed Holy Spirit that contains every single member of society. Although man may work to feed himself and family, he is ultimately harming the rest. of humanity by doing so. In other words, by working for less, he is promoting the rapid exchange of workers in the field, the simple act of hiring those who agree to work for almost no pay. By accepting this job offer, man leaves millions of his peers to suffer and die, without work and without food. Casy justifies that this approach is immoral; man must defend his fellow man. Being part of the “Holy Spirit” (24), man is in fact obliged to do so. The idea that man is simply a small fragment of a whole that is the world as a whole is expressed in “The Over-Soul” when Emerson states “…we are nothing, but light is everything.” (6). In his opinion, man is a simple fragment of God's work. Expressing.