The quote from John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" captures the complexity of the banking system and its dehumanizing nature. It suggests that while banks are institutions run by people, they operate in a way that is detached from human empathy and morality. This "monster," which the bank represents, seems to act beyond the control of its individual members, creating an impersonal force that perpetuates hardship for many.
This idea reflects the struggles faced by individuals during the Great Depression, where systemic failures led to widespread suffering. The bank, though composed of men, is depicted as a monstrous entity that prioritizes profit over people, highlighting the conflict between personal responsibility and the larger forces of capitalism. Steinbeck critiques this system by illustrating how it alienates people while enforcing its own rules and structures.