What significant event impacts the themes in "The Grapes of Wrath"?

The significant event that impacts the themes in "The Grapes of Wrath" is the Dust Bowl. This ecological disaster of the 1930s, characterized by severe drought and poor agricultural practices, led to devastating crop failures in the Great Plains. The novel, written by John Steinbeck, portrays the struggles and resilience of a family, the Joads, as they flee their impoverished land in Oklahoma seeking better opportunities in California. The Dust Bowl serves as a backdrop to illustrate the hardships faced by displaced farmers, reinforcing themes of survival, social injustice, and the quest for dignity in the midst of adversity.

While the Great Depression is also a crucial context for the story, as it exacerbates the economic conditions faced by the characters, the Dust Bowl directly influences their journey and the physical challenges they encounter, making it a pivotal element in the narrative.