Mothers Dirt-Poor Ma Jad Character Analysis

Finally, Steinbeck utilizes one of the most universal aspects of all humanity, emotional connectivity, to establish his idea of the universal common man. Everyone possesses emotions in some form, so Steinbeck uses this crucial feature present in all people to create more relatable and realistic characters. Family tends to be the most omnipresent form of emotional attachment the author utilizes in his fiction. Ordinarily, the mother demonstrates herself to be the most powerful member of the family, which gives her the ability to have the greatest emotional resonance amongst the readers. Functioning as the head of the family unit, the mother acts “as the source of love, wisdom, and strength” (Pizer, “The Enduring Power of the Joads,” 87). Mothers

By deploying the notion of the motherly figure as a source and inspiration for many of his everyday characters, Steinbeck furthers their relatability. Unlike Ma Joad as a source of generosity and determination, Juana acts a spring of wisdom and safety as she warns her husband that the “pearl is evil… [and that they should] destroy it…[because] it is evil” (Pearl

Friendship often comes second to family in terms of importance; however, the powers of friendship occasionally prove to be more connective than the relationships of the family. Sometimes, Steinbeck uses alternative relationships to completely surpass the family as “friendship proves to be a bonding force that begets an alternative family structure” (Kordich). Friendships can last for years and bring people closer together. Also, everyone can relate to the close bond of friends, and Steinbeck utilizes this to create his idea of the common man. George and Lennie exemplify an affable, connected friendship as Lennie states “George won’t do nothing like that. I’ve knew George since–I forgot when–and… he’s nice to me” (Mice 102). Knowing each other for years, the common men rely on each other to get through life. Their friendship demonstrates the powerful emotional connections many of Steinbeck’s characters possess since they have a very powerful bond that unites them and helps them accomplish their dreams while overcoming any obstacles. Likewise, Steinbeck uses the friendship of Tom Joad and Jim Casy as another way to produce his idea of the ordinary person when Jim exclaims “Knowed [Tom] for years. I come west with him” (Grapes 381). Since they have known each other for years and share many of the same struggles, they have an incredibly strong bond, a