Great strength is an attribute that Ma Joad exhibits throughout Grapes of Wrath. Ma Joad becomes a character of great strength as the Joad family is faced with challenges coming from the Great Depression. One of the most compelling scenes in Grapes of Wrath takes place when the Joad family prepares to leave for California. Ma Joad sits next to a fire and alone, burns the possessions she can’t take. None of the other characters are seen burning their memories or going through any process to disband from their old life. The willingness that Ma …show more content…
Fears arise within the family and as members consider going a separate direction, Ma Joad reassures and encourages the family to stick together. Ma Joad shows no sign of wanting to separate from her family, she understands that strength comes in numbers. A character that shows persistence is very intriguing and provides the audience with a template of the family pillar. Many times the persistent character is a man, but Grapes of Wrath twists the patriarchal model to fit a woman. Ma Joad represents mothers that work behind the scenes persistently to keep families