The time of the great depression was an era of suffering for many people and families. Multiple sacrifices had to be made in order to keep the souls surviving. Both The Grapes of Wrath and As For Me and My House are incredible novels that touch on the stories of people lives during this discouraging time period. While it was exceedingly obvious that every individual suffered in some way, shape, or form, the most prominent image of sacrifice is of the women in the household; fulfilling their motherly roles. They were the strength when everything seemed to be coming to destruction, and when all were weak. These women of faith were Ma Joad and Mrs. Bentley. Dedicated to their families, these women went through many trials, and emotional rollercoaster's themselves. Through this unconceivable time, emotions played an enormous part in their lives, changing from moment to moment. Although trying to protect their families, they could not hide some signs of sacrifices, suffering, and feelings of situations being threatened and put in jeopardy. Thus begins the tale of two mind-boggling women, and their journeys" through the great depression.
Ma's first sign of true sacrifice was when they were hounded off of their own property, forced to scurry away to Uncle John's home; their home was to be destroyed. Choosing to talk only the necessities, Ma's favourite shoes got left behind. A little further into the novel, when also forced to uproot from their current environment , Ma had to leave one of her most treasured possessions behind; her stationary. Filled with all of her letters, clippings, photographs, earrings, ring, and watch chain braided of hair and tipped with gold swivels, as well as a golden cuff link, Ma admired her belonging for a final time. Making a tough decision, she slipped a few pieces of her jewelry into her pocket, and left the rest of her memories to slowly melt away upon the burning coals of the stove.