the politcal implications of the novel have been strongly attacked. in what ways is the novel a criticism of capitalism? does the novel advocate communism?

Certainly the fact that the capitalist free market, big business and banks are put in a heartless and cold light. Capitalism seems to let the market dictate whether these families starve or work for slave wages. I can see how this book was considered communist in an atmosphere of paranoia against the "reds". I think Steinbeck was making a human plea. He wanted humanity to have a greater factor than the profit motive. The ability to take care of each other is not limited to communist ideology.