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). ... As the "citadel of the family", Ma remained emotionally strong through all the hard Ma Joad was an emotionally strong woman who kept the family united (her primary concern), through the difficulties they faced. Ma Joad never showed pain, nor fear, and greatly suppressed her emotions for th...

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

It is this concern that illustrates Rose of Sharon's transformation from misfit to Madonna through the Joad's journey. Rose of Sharon incessantly asks Ma Joad ifit?... Her selfish antics and complaints are patiently absorbed by Ma, who tolerates her primarily because of her condition. ... She tells Ma of Connie's plans for California, which have nothing to do with the situation at that moment. ... However, instead of concentrating on the Joad family crises, she diverts her worries fully to her baby once again. ...

• Word Count: 679
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

It is this concern that illustrates Rose of Sharon's transformation from misfit to Madonna through the Joad's journey. Rose of Sharon incessantly asks Ma Joad if "it"ll hurt the baby" throughout a majority of the novel, and adopts an attitude of superiority over others with her precious possession. ... Her selfish antics and complaints are patiently absorbed by Ma, who tolerates her primarily because of her condition. ... She tells Ma of Connie's plans for California, which have nothing to do with the situation at that moment. ... However, instead of concentrating on the Joad ...

• Word Count: 678
• Approx Pages: 3

The Joad family set out on a journey not knowing what to look for like many historians of the past. ... The Joad family expected to travel West in search for their dreams yet didn"t realize the turmoil they would have to go through. ... This suggests the contentment, freedom, and the goal for which the Joad family strives. ... Ma is another character that shows much strength. ... The Joad family went through a tough journey but their spirit, strength, and unity kept them a family and capable of moving on. ...

• Word Count: 620
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School

An example of this is when the Joads ran into a man on the road, which lead them to work (this is the stunning sunset). Then once the Joads got the job, they realized that it wasn't as good as it looked (this is the fading away to darkness). ... Text-to-Self Connection Tom Joad is leaving the rest of the family and he is having a parting word with Ma Joad. ...

• Word Count: 832
• Approx Pages: 3
• Grade Level: High School

Quote: Tom Joad, page 570: ""Hm-m," he said. "Lookie, Ma. I been all day an" all night hidin" alone. Guess who I been thinkin" about? Casy! He talked a lot. Used ta bother me. But now I been thinkin" what he said, an" I can remember-all of it. Says one time he went out in the wilderness to find h...

• Word Count: 500
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: High School