Character Analysis: The Grapes Of Wrath

The Grapes of Wrath

In this novel written by John Steinbeck, achieving “The American Dream” is the main goal for families of Oklahoma who are struggling. The book introduces you to the Joad family and their perspectives on how difficult it was to survive and remain positive throughout their journey to California. Tom and Ma Joad are the two main characters whose opinions and thoughts differ from one another because of their gender. Men and women tend to view things differently and this is witnessed when men are more arrogant, compared to rational women. Tom Joad is the most troubled character throughout the entire story. From being in and out of jail, then having to move all the way across the country with his family simply to survive. Tom

It is understood that struggling in order to achieve happiness is necessary. The concept of this novel is to push on, and get through the hard times. “fear the time when Manself will not suffer and die for a concept, for this one quality is the foundation of Manself, and this one quality is man, distinctive in the universe.” (page 193) Tom and Ma were aware of the troubles and difficulties of moving across the country to find work that was not guaranteed. They both had to tell themselves that they would achieve happiness once they arrived to their destination. Tom and the men had the type of mindset where they believed in actions, rather than thinking. Ma and the women worried as much as they did because they constantly had to figure out how exactly everything was going to work out. The main difference between the men and women was, the men were able and actually expected to speak their minds and opinions. The men felt they were entitled to having a say on whatever they wish. It did not work that way for the women. Women were not given the luxury of feeling comfortable saying what they wished without getting scolded by their husbands. Ma somewhat followed that set role, but she also got frustrated sometimes and could not help but say what she really felt. Other than the men and women being given certain roles, everyone everywhere solely wished for happiness.

The Grapes of Wrath portrays how men and women handle difficult situations differently. Picking up and moving with a large family all the way across the country was not an easy task to take on, but the Joads’ did their best and maneuvered around all of the obstacles that came their way. True characters came out of this journey and men gave off the impression of being sure of what they’re doing rather than thinking over their decisions like