... Joad 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 not be taken" (Steinbeck 79). Ma holds the family together, and this concept is exemplified when Steinbeck says, "She seemed to know that if she swayed the family shook the family ...

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