“The bank - or the Company - needs - wants -insists - must have - as though the bank or the Company were a monster, with thought and feeling, which had ensnared them... The banks were machines and masters all at the same time...They breathe profits; they eat the interest on money. If they don't get it they die... It is a sad thing, but it is so. It is just so.”
Analysis of Quote by John Steinbeck
In this quote, John Steinbeck personifies the bank or the Company as a monstrous entity that controls the lives of people. The use of language such as "needs," "wants," "insists," and "must have" implies a sense of power and control that these institutions hold over individuals. Steinbeck portrays banks as heartless machines that prioritize profits over the well-being of society. The phrase "They breathe profits; they eat the interest on money" highlights the insatiable greed of these institutions, viewing them almost as living beings that require sustenance to survive. The author conveys a sense of resignation and acceptance towards this reality, acknowledging it as a sad but undeniable truth.
Modern Relevance of John Steinbeck's Quote
In this quote from John Steinbeck's novel, "The Grapes of Wrath," the author paints a vivid picture of banks and corporations as monstrous entities that demand unwavering obedience from individuals. This depiction of financial institutions as heartless entities solely focused on profit still holds true in today's society. From the 2008 financial crisis to ongoing issues of income inequality, the power and influence of banks and corporations continue to shape our world in both positive and negative ways. Steinbeck's words serve as a reminder of the immense control that these entities can wield over individuals and society as a whole.
Analysis of Corporate Greed in John Steinbeck's Works
In John Steinbeck's writing, we see a recurring theme of the dehumanization and exploitation of individuals by powerful entities such as banks and corporations. The quote provided illustrates the metaphorical portrayal of banks as monstrous entities that demand obedience and sacrifices from individuals. This can be seen as a commentary on corporate greed and the detrimental impact it has on society. Steinbeck's vivid imagery and blunt language serve to emphasize the oppressive nature of these institutions.
Reflection Questions:
In the passage above, John Steinbeck personifies the banks and the Company, portraying them as monstrous entities that demand profit to survive. Reflect on the following questions to deepen your understanding of this concept:
How does the metaphor of the bank as a monster impact your perception of financial institutions?
Do you believe that banks and corporations have the power to control individuals in society? Why or why not?
How does Steinbeck's comparison of banks to machines and masters resonate with current economic systems and power dynamics?
In what ways do you see greed and profit driving financial institutions in today's society?
How can individuals challenge or change the dominance of banks and corporations in their lives and communities?
Similar quotes
“Some of the owner men were kind because they hated what they had to do, and some of them were angry because they hated to be cruel, and some of them were cold because they had long ago found that one could not be an owner unless one were cold. And all of them were caught in something larger than themselves. Some of them hated the mathematics that drove them, and some were afraid, and some worshiped the mathematics because it provided a refuge from thought and from feeling. If a bank or a finance company owned the land, the owner man said, The Bank - or the Company - needs - wants - insists - must have - as though the Bank or the Company were a monster, with thought and feeling, which had ensnared them. These last would take no responsibility for the banks or the companies because they were men and slaves, while the banks were machines and masters all at the same time. Some of the owner men were a little proud to be slaves to such cold and powerful masters. The owner men sat in the cars and explained. You know the land is poor. You've scrabbled at it long enough, God knows.”
“The bank - the monster has to have profits all the time. It can't wait. It'll die. No, taxes go on. When the monster stops growing, it dies. It can't stay one size.”
“Sure, cried the tenant men,but it’s our land…We were born on it, and we got killed on it, died on it. Even if it’s no good, it’s still ours….That’s what makes ownership, not a paper with numbers on it.""We’re sorry. It’s not us. It’s the monster. The bank isn’t like a man.""Yes, but the bank is only made of men.""No, you’re wrong there—quite wrong there. The bank is something else than men. It happens that every man in a bank hates what the bank does, and yet the bank does it. The bank is something more than men, I tell you. It’s the monster. Men made it, but they can’t control it.”
“If all bank loans were paid, no one would have a bank deposit, and there would not be a dollar of currency or coin in circulation. This is a staggering thought. We are completely dependent on the commercial banks. Someone has to borrow every dollar we have in circulation, cash or credit. If the banks create ample synthetic money, we are prosperous; if not, we starve. We are absolutely without a permanent monetary system. When one gets a complete grasp upon this picture, the tragic absurdity of our helpless position is almost incredible–but there it is.”
“Smartass Disciple: Master, can you trust this bank to keep your money safe?Master of Stupidity: Well, I can put a bit less distrust on this bank than others.”