In The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck, Ma Joad acknowledges the significance of unity and acts accordingly as the primary cohesive force to keep her family together to ensure survival on their strenuous journey to California. From the beginning, Steinbeck immediately establishes Ma Joad as the center building block of family unity. ... She expresses sympathy for Uncle John and his need to be drunk to escape sorrow and guilt. Additionally, Ma does not criticize Uncle John for spending money on alcohol in a time when the family needs it most, for she understands the importance of treat...

• Word Count: 1488
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School