The Dust Bowl inspired John Steinbeck to write The Grapes of Wrath, which today is considered an American classic. Which statement best describes the purpose of the book? A. The novel paints a realistic picture of the troubles that migrating Oklahoman farmers faced during the drought in the 1930s.

B. The novel is an exaggerated portrayal of the struggles of African American communities in Oklahoma during the 1930s.

C. The story describes the plight of African American communities in Oklahoma because of the Dust Bowl and the Tulsa race riot.

D. The story describes how drought and dust storms caused farmers to become socialists and revolt against the government.

E. The story paints a realistic picture of the heightened racial tensions in Oklahoma when farmers were out of work during the drought in the 1930s.