Chapters 1-10 (F) *

Theme: Blame

"We can't depend on it. 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 side". (32)

"I don't give a damn if you don't make payments. We ain't got your paper. We turn that over to the finance company. They'll get after you, not us. We don't hold no paper." (65)


Throughout the novel, the theme of blame has been brought up. In chapter 5, when farmers still had hope that next year they could make profit, the landowners stated that they could not possibly go on. The landowners stated that the banks are in control and that without profit, the banks will die. Here, the landowners put blame on the banks. By holding the bank accountable, the landowners are able to get away with what they personally desire. The inhumanity displayed by the landowners suggests that their  actions are based on their own selfish needs. Landowners are now using tractors instead of farmers because it saves them money. Thus, by using the bank as an excuse, the owners can get rid of farmers and use tractors instead. In chapter 7, the blame on the bank is again indicated when sneaky salespeople try to sell cars. The salespeople tell the farmers that the cars are expensive because of the bank. The salespeople trick farmers into thinking that the banks control the price so that farmers are unable to do anything about it. By blaming the banks, the salespeople also emphasize the idea of greed. The salespeople are taking advantage of tenant farmers for their own personal needs. Overall, throughout the novel, the banks are taken advantage of. By accusing the banks, the landowners and salespeople are able to manipulate the tenant farmers. The idea of being able to blame the bank is an essential theme in the novel.