Man Versus Self - Chapters 1-10 Assignment G

Jim Casy vs. Self

" 'No, I don't know nobody name' Jesus. I know a bunch of stories, but I only love people. An' sometimes I love 'em  fit to bust, an' I want to make 'em happy, so I been preachin' somepin I thought would make 'em happy' (23). "

Jim Casy, a former preacher, reflects on his reasons for leaving the church. He felt guilty for having affairs with the women of his congregation and looks within himself to find out if what he was doing was morally wrong. Casy realizes that he loves people unconditionally and preached only to make them happy, not to communicate religious ideology. This then challenges his long held belief system. In the novel values are constantly being challenged by outside forces, like the oppressive banks. However, Casy's self-reflection is more induced by his own self-interest, showing his deep rooted inner conflict.

Muley Graves vs. Self

"Somepin went an' happened to me when they tol' me I had to get off the place. Fust I was gonna go in an 'kill a whole flock a people. Then all my folks all went away out west. An' I got wanderin' aroun' (...) I'd tell myself, 'I'm lookin' after things so when all the folks come back it'll be all right.' But I knowed that wan't true. There ain't nothin' to look after. The folks ain't never comin' back. I'm jus' wanderin' aroun' like a damn ol' graveyard ghos' " (51)

Muley Graves is the last member of his family to stay in Oklahoma and ride out the Dust Bowl.When he is forced of his land Muley is filled with hostility towards people. He blames the bankers for his condition and can think of no other way to rid of his anger. In this situation Muley must overcome his inner barbaric inclinations and deal with the absence of his family. He denies the permanence of his family's absence, to justify his reasons for staying in Oklahoma. Muley tries to tell himself that his decision to stay in Oklahoma was honorable in that he was taking the role of a care taker to the land, but he cannot truly believe his words. Muley struggles to accept things that he knows are true which leaves him making decisions that end up hurting him more than helping him. His denial causes a constant inner conflict within him between what he thinks is right and what he knows is practical.