You do have an argument, but that doesn't negate the power of Steinbeck's words.

Good explanation, Josh. Defensible and eloquently stated. But I think what Steinbeck says is equally profound; in fact, part of its profound meaning comes from the fact that he is brave enought to state that war/fighting/debate/arguing are necessary, that if that "step were not taken", if "that stumbling forward ache were not alive", if "Manself will not suffer and die for a concept" the foundation of what it is to be human would be lost. The fact that you, Josh, are willing to argue the merits of HGG does, in fact, make you a valuable member of the human race. (And the fact that your English teacher loves to argue makes her part of "Manself" as well - or should we call it Womanself").

What has just happened on the Blog supports my appreciation for Grapes and for HGG.
Good literature reflects the human condition. If the messages don't become part of your psyche, it's not literature; you might as well be reading Ikea bookcase assembly instructions.