Grapes of Wrath Ma Joad
... John Steinbeck wrote The Grapes of Wrath during a critical time of the world. ... The purpose of this essay is to explain how Ma Joad’s character was an example of a family woman’s new character. The different roles that Ma Joad takes on in The Grapes of Wrath include the role of the provider for more than just physical needs, the role of a leader, and the role of a realistic human. I will then explain how Ma Joad symbolizes the housewife during and after the Great Depression and afterwards. ... But in the book, Ma Joad does more than just her share of chores. ... After Grandpa Joad dies, Ma Joad does what she can to make Grandma Joad as comfortable as possible, fanning Grandma and staying near her side. She tends to Grandma Joad with the utmost compassion. Ma Joad also teaches her children compassion. When Grandma Joad was dying, Ma Joad urged Rose of Sharon to fan Grandma and stay by her side. It is in these actions that we see the compassion of Ma Joad. ... Ma Joad also assumes the role of the leader of the family. ... “You ain’t got the right to get discouraged,” Ma tells Pa.