Protest is believed to be found in all works of literature. In fact, Richard Wright states that it is impossible to find a work that does not include some form of protest. Two works that best express this idea are Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Literary elements such as theme, characterization and symbolism help display protest throughout these novels. In both novels, the author structures the plot to effectively display his argument.

As a story about migrant workers during a depression, Grapes of Wrath is a novel that discusses the hardships in the life of migrants who were forced to move westward in search of a job. The author's main argument and protest throughout the novel is about the harsh treatment towards the lower class. Through the developed theme of inequality, Steinbeck shows how the life of a migrant...