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Summary Of John Steinbeck's Journey To California

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The traditional family of the twentieth century puts the man of the house in control. He makes the ultimate decisions for survival and stability, while the women complete everyday tasks: keeping food on the table, tending to the children’s needs, and cleaning up around the house. Like many men living in the rural state of Oklahoma, Pa has a farm to manage. Because the farm produces crops to consume and sell, it is a direct source of how one is able to live. This puts Pa in a position of authority over his family’s survival. When the banks decide to remove this much needed commodity from the men, as well as their homes, a sense of self is lost. There is nothing to live for or live off of. The men explain to their loved ones that they must evacuate the land. The narrator solidifies this idea of men obtaining the dominant role in a relationship within this situation. The women ask where they will go, and the men have no answer. Something bigger than these men is offering a challenge they believe they must accept and conquer themselves. Patiently, the women wait and depend on their determined men to configure a plan to stay alive (Steinbeck 44). Before the journey to California …show more content…

Normally a vain and cocky person, Al struggles to speak to his mother when driving the truck. He finally spits out a question of concern about if Ma is afraid of going to a new place. She admits she has a little fear inside of her; however, she is not completely doubtful. Hinting a desire of reassurance, Al continues to ask, “Ain’t you scared it won’t be nice like we thought?” Quickly, she replies, “No, I ain’t. You can’t do that. I can’t do that…They all depen’ on me…” (Steinbeck 158). Ma knows her position in this family. At this point, she is relied on to keep things organized and everyone’s head straight. Without sugar-coating it, Ma let’s Al know he must accept change and deal with it however it may

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