... just as frightened as the rest of the family, but she always maintains a front for the rest of the family. When Ma had fears, "She had practiced denying them in herself." This extraordinary self-control helps to keep the Joad unit together and alive. Ma, like all leaders, must be forceful for things to work in her favor. Numerous situations occur in which ... Ma must be forceful or relinquish her role as the head of the family. Her forceful leadership occurs once when the family, without ... needs for those of the family is a subtle yet powerful method of her leadership of the family u...

• Word Count: 758
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

... major themes in the novel. It is traceable through many of the characters such as Jim Casey, Tom Joad, Ma Joad, and Rosa of Sharon. It is also traceable through many different actions taken by the Joad family on the whole. The character of Jim Casy plays a strong role in bringing forth the theme in ... literal interpretation it directly contrasts the idea of the Joads moving beyond just a concern for their immediate family to a concern for all of humanity. Ma Joad is the force which holds the family together. She realizes that they have no home and that the only value and meaning in life...

• Word Count: 1013
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

... the decision to move out to California in hopes of jobs and money. When Grandpa Joad died, the strong bond that existed between the Joad family and the land was destroyed. When he refused the leave, the Joad family drugged him in order to take him along. His bond with the land seemed ... the Wilson's adhering to Jim Casey's "one big soul" theory. The second death that he used was that of Grandma Joad. Her death was significant because it brought about the respect for Ma Joad as a strong leader in the family. She lied to the boarder patrol in order to make sure her family got across ......

• Word Count: 554
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

... of Wrath is a novel by John Steinbeck; it tells a story about the struggles of migrant farmers during the Great Depression. The book tells a story about the Joad's, the main family in the book, struggle during these tough times. In the book many of the characters change due to the troubles that they experience. In the ... They have to sell all of their belongings to get money for the trip. Granpa gets second thoughts before they leave and decides he is going to stay. Ma drugs him and they carry him to the car. The first night they stay by the Wilson's. Their car has broken down and the ...

• Word Count: 988
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School

John Steinbeck's classic novel, The Grapes of Wrath follows the trials and tribulations of Tom Joad and his family, along with a supporting cast of characters which includes members of Tom's family, as well as local people. When Tom is released from prison ... this book, Jim Casy, who is a former preacher who seems to value the importance of human contact as something quite holy. Tom and Jim together travel to the Joad's residence, only to learn that his family is at his Uncle John's house. There they are planning the long trip to California in search of jobs with high wages ... nearby strea...

• Word Count: 700
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School