I learned to write nice as hell. Birds an' stuff like that, too; not just word writin'. My ol' man'll be sore when he sees me whip out a bird in one stroke. Pa's gonna be mad when he sees me do that. He don't like no fancy stuff like that. He don't even like word writin'. Kinda scare 'im, I guess. Ever' time Pa seen writin', somebody took somepin away from 'im.
In this passage from John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath," the narrator expresses pride in their ability to write beautifully, not only in words but also in creating images like birds. This skill is presented as a source of joy and personal accomplishment, especially in mastering the art of writing. However, there is an underlying tension regarding the narrator's father, who disapproves of fancy writing and might react negatively to this newfound talent.
The narrator suggests that their father's disdain for elegant writing stems from a position of fear and loss. It hints at a history where writing has been associated with taking things away from people, contributing to Pa’s apprehension. The contrast between the narrator's creative expression and the father's apprehensive views reflects generational differences and the complexities of their relationship influenced by values surrounding art and expression.
