Analyzing the Dynamic Role of Women in Steinbeck's "Grapes of Wrath"

Living in a time period characterized by male dominance, Ma Joad defies the domestic role of a housewife as she takes command of her family in the face of unsurmountable odds. Although Steinbeck originally describes the Joads as a patriarchal family, he shifts the power into Ma's hands as she assumes the ultimate responsibility of making decisions. While Pa "breaks" (Steinbeck 6) under the deplorable living conditions, Ma remains strong for the sake of her family. …

…starving man in the barn, Rose of Sharon exhibits Ma's selfless nature as she sacrifices her baby's milk for a complete stranger. Gently stroking the man's hair, Rose of Sharon resembles a mother nurturing her child. As a child of Mother Earth, the starving man helps establish a theme of brotherhood among mankind. Rose of Sharon's heartwarming sacrifice, in addition to Ma's selfless contributions, emphasize the need for individuals to bond together to ensure survival.