The Over-Soul - this a link to the full text

Emerson's Over-Soul concentrates on the idea that all humans are interconnected. The Over-Soul itself is one encompassing and glorious presence. All people, connected together, then take part in this Over-Soul

Steinbeck incorporates the idea of a central soul among humankind through certain character development. Even early in the book, Jim Casy expresses a perspective that is nearly the same as that in The Over-Soul. When explaining his newfound views to Tom Joad, he says, "Maybe all men got one big soul ever'body's a part of" (33) [Explanation]. Steinbeck develops other characters, such as Rose of Sharon and Ma, to show the idea of the over-soul. At first, both Rose of Sharon and Ma have more self- and family-oriented motives; throughout the story, however, their concerns expand to include the well being of all humans.

In Emerson's essay, he mentions that "Ineffable is the union of man and God in every act of the soul. The simplest person, who in his integrity worships God, becomes God; yet for ever and ever the influx of this better and universal self is new and unsearchable." What Emerson is trying to say is that, when one person is self-reliant in his true integrity, he becomes part of the Over-Soul that encompasses both God and all people, creating a 'universal self.' This idea relates directly to when Casy said: "Maybe that's the Holy Sperit - the human sperit - the whole shebang. Maybe all men got one big soul ever'body's a part of" (33 - as mentioned above). The two connect because both Emerson and Casy realize that all men have one soul and that they are all completely interconnected with this Over-Soul.