In the novel, there is a reoccurring conflict between man and machine. The tractor was a newly invented machine that could work more efficiently in terms of time. It worked much quicker than what farmers could do. There is a significant conflict with this because tractors are replacing farmers. This affects the farmers because they are in danger of losing their jobs. The owner states that "One man on the tractor can take place of twelve of fourteen families."(33) Using tractors can help landowners save money which ultimately leads farmers to a downfall. Without money for food or daily necessities, farmers are not able to support their families. Tractors are harming farmers and the meaning of having a passion for farming. The author states that "[tractors] rape without passion". (36) The machines do not have the connection as farmers have with farming. The tractors just get the job done while farmers "lusted [the seed] for growth". (36) The machines are ruining the passion that man has for farming. Because of tractors, "crop land isn't for [farmers] any more". (37) The driver tells the tenant farmers that they need to earn money "someplace [else]". (37) Essentially, the machine is going to ruin all the farmer's jobs. This is a major conflict throughout the novel because farmers have to move to California because of this.
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