Final answer:
In The Grapes of Wrath, "inflexible" describes characters and institutions that refuse to adapt or make concessions. It refers to their lack of willingness to accommodate or bend their rules.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the book The Grapes of Wrath, the word "inflexible" can be understood as a metaphorical use of the term. It does not necessarily mean "not bendable" in a literal sense. Instead, it is used to describe the uncompromising and unyielding attitude of certain characters or institutions in the novel. These characters or institutions refuse to adapt or make concessions, even in the face of difficult circumstances.
One example of this can be seen in the book when the Joad family encounters the landowners who refuse to provide fair wages and decent living conditions to the migrant workers. These landowners are depicted as inflexible, as they are unwilling to bend their rules or make any changes that would benefit the workers. Another example is the depiction of the banks and financial institutions that foreclose on farms and homes during the Great Depression. These institutions are portrayed as inflexible in their adherence to rigid policies, regardless of the devastating impact it has on people's lives.
In summary, in the context of The Grapes of Wrath, the term "inflexible" implies a lack of willingness to accommodate or adapt, often to the detriment of others.