Ma Joad Character Analysis

A person’s true colors shows when they are in a disaster. People either show that they are strong enough to face the challenge and lead others, or just follow and be weak. In John Steinbeck’s All American realist novel, The Grapes of Wrath, one of the main characters portrays a strong-leading role of the family, Ma Joad. Ma Joad is kind, loving, and strong woman who is a mother of five. The Joad family is forced to immediately leave behind their current way of life because of the big banking system. The Joads, who were sharecroppers, desperately need to find work and demand affluence. Along their adventure to California, the Joads have no clue what new hardships they are about to embark on. However, during their journey, Ma Joad remains self controlled and enforces strong leadership in order to keep the family together.

She knows she is the backbone of the Joad family because in order to keep this family together, she has to take control. From the beginning of the novel, Ma Joad is a stronger all-around individual than is Pa Joad. Because of who she is and the role she plays in the family, she joins in and helps by completing her duties as a parent, which makes her the leader. “She has had to build-up a strong outward demeanor so as to keep the family from losing heart when faced with the numerous obstacles placed within their path” (The Novel’s Main Characters Handout). Ma Joad’s feelings about the trip to California begin to kick in as they begin their journey to California. She becomes very hesitant and uncertain to take on this adventure. Regarding her feelings, she maintains a positive outlook despite the hardship her family faces. Ma Joad still manages to dream about her desires of having a better life and home sooner or later. Nevertheless, Ma Joad is truly looking out for her family and worrying about their future lives once the move to