... family's connection to the land, that is their livelihood, are two of the most prevalent elements in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath. The Joad Family has to stay together through the times of hardship in the 30's for support and strength. In Steinbeck's description of Ma Joad, he says, "She seemed to know, to accept, ... to welcome her position, the citadel of the family, the strong place that could ... says, "She seemed to know that if she swayed the family shook the family will to function would be gone" (80). As the "citadel of the family", Ma remained emotionally strong throug...

• Word Count: 302
• Approx Pages: 1
• Grade Level: Undergraduate