In The Grapes of Wrath how does Steinbeck describe the appropriation of California?

In "The Grapes of Wrath," Steinbeck portrays the appropriation of California through the lens of the disenfranchised migrant workers who arrive seeking opportunity but find exploitation instead. He illustrates the land as a battleground between the wealthy landowners and the struggling farmers, emphasizing the stark disparities in power and wealth. The narrative highlights how the agricultural industry, driven by profit, systematically displaces families and depletes the land, transforming it into a symbol of both hope and despair. Ultimately, Steinbeck critiques the capitalist system that prioritizes profit over human dignity and communal well-being.