The Relationship Between Ma And Tom Joad In The Grapes Of Wrath

A mother and son relationship is something that shows how strong a bond is with a mother and her first born son. In John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath," the relationship between Ma and Tom Joad is a central theme. As mother and son, they share a deep bond, and their relationship evolves throughout the novel. At the beginning of the story, Tom is more involved in the family's plans of travel but as we dig deeper in the novel Ma becomes more incharge of the family.

Ma Joad is a strong and resilient character who serves as the emotional anchor for the family. She is the one who keeps the Joads together, even in the face of adversity. Ma is fiercely protective of her family, especially her children. In the book Ma goes to the family and says “Tom’s gonna be alright. He’s jus’ stirrin’ up a stink. He wouldn’ of hoit nobody if somebody hadn’t hoit him.” (pg 132). This is her reassuring the family telling them Tom is going to be okay after the fight at the peach farm. This shows that even though her son did something that should be unforgiving she stood by his side. Ma is a symbol of maternal strength and represents the role of women as caretakers and nurturers.

He is the rebellious son who will stand up for anything he believes in. As the novel progresses, Tom becomes more and more involved in the labor movement and social justice causes. But he is also loving and would do anything for his family especially his Ma. “Tom’s voice was vibrant. I ain’t seen Ma for four years, he said. ‘I ain’t never been away for that long before, can hardly wait to see her.” (pg 10). This is when he was trying to find his family and was the most excited to see Ma. He naturally becomes a symbol of the changing times and the struggle for equality and