In the novel The Grapes of Wrath, written by John Steinbeck you see how the people and how the environment change. The changes within the people are different you have women finally getting a say just like ma Joad had done. Ma is introduced as a woman who knowingly and happily fulfills her role as the fortress of the family. She is the healer of the family’s ills and the arbiter of its arguments, and her ability to perform these tasks grows as the novel progresses. At first she is quiet and does what the men want her to which is cook, take care of the kids, etc.”She seemed to know, to accept, to welcome her position, the citadel of the family, the strong place that could not be taken. And since old Tom and the children could not know hurt …show more content…
She realizes the are being torn apart; without their home, nothing is left to bind them together. With this recognition, Ma again restates the theme of survival through group unity, "All we got is the family unbroken. Like a bunch of cows, when the lobos are ranging, stick all together." Pages:169-170 With Ma's revolt a shift in the familial power happens. Although, Ma had always been a reckoning force in the family structure.Like when the family stood at the side of the truck for a conference she had roamed the perimeter of the men's circle, but they didn’t make a decision without her input. Yet it must be noted that Ma wasn’t an early feminist. It’s clear that her role is to be the comforter, nurturer, and protector of the family, she also realizes that something of Pa's strength was shook when he lost the ability to provide for his family. For the sake of family unity, she temporarily takes control. “Ma said worriedly,” how you gonna find us?” ……….Ma’s face softened, but her eyes were still fierce.” You done this ‘thout thinkin’ much,” Ma said.”What we got lef’ in the worl’?” Nothin’ but us. …show more content…
The mean know she thinks before making decisions and is usually right when they follow her decisions as well. She is definitely portrayed as the family's back