On Ma Joad As The Matriarchal Hero In The Grapes Of Wrath

In “The Grapes of Wrath”, John Steinbeck developed Ma Joad as the matriarchal hero of the Joad family. She displays her heroism in various ways and is the very force that holds the family together.

Ma Joad is the hero to the Joad family, because she brings hope into the lives of those in the family as well as makes important decisions that deeply affect the Joad family. She’s seen as a matriarchal hero because she tends to make decisions instead of the men in her family. And in making those decisions it truly measured whether she was a savior to her family’s survival or an impediment.

While the Joad family was driving towards California along with the Wilsons. Their car broke down. Tom Joad, knowing that by the family and the Wilsons waiting

As a result, Tom suggested that he’ll stay behind with Casy to fix the car while the rest of the people continue towards California. All of the men including Pa Joad, Uncle John, Mr.Wilson, and Al Joad agreed with Tom’s plan. For a minute it seemed as though the family would split up when all of the sudden Ma Joad steps in. She proclaims, “I ain’t a-gonna go.”, telling the everyone that she simply won’t allow for the Joad family to split up. Especially Tom who has already been gone for a while due to prison. Pa surprised by this tells Ma, “...You got to go. You got to look after the family”. In which this point he expects Ma to give in and go along with Tom’s plan. But Ma stays strong in her decision and threatens that the only to make her go is to whip her. And if Pa whips her then she’ll wait till he turns her back and she’ll hit him with a bucket. Tom

Mrs.Sandry noticed that Rose of Sharon was pregnant and began asking Rose about what type of baby she was expecting. The conversation from there began to escalate. Sandry began to discuss the Saturday dances that would be held in the camp and how sinful it was. She proclaimed, “the Lord ain’t lettin’ it get by, neither; an’ don’ you think He is”(309), explaining that God won’t tolerate dancing, Sandry continues and then accuses those who dance of being a sinner and having their babies come out dead. Rose of Sharon was completely distraught by what Sandry said and began to worry because Rose also used to dance. Rose told Ma about it and Ma exclaimed, “You’re jest a-teasin’ yourself up to cry”(312), Ma was explaining to Rose that something like that could never possibly happen and that Rose was just letting nonsense get to her. This scenario really displayed Ma Joad’s ability to bring hope into the hearts of