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The Role Of Ma Joad In The Grapes Of Wrath

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John Steinbeck uses the character of Ma Joad to emphasize the theme of matriarchal to patriarchal society in the Grapes of Wrath.
Ma is not only seen as the main leader of the family, but, the feeder as well. She is always taking care of everyone, because she doesn’t forget anyone. Steinbeck states, “Al took a paper bag from the seat. This here’s some bread an’ meat Ma sent, an’ I got a jug a water here. She don’t forget nobody, said Casy” (174). As the book progresses, Granma and Grandpa Joad die on the journey to California. Ma eventually has to take over the main role to keep everyone going and moving forward. Ma expresses her matriarchal role when talking to Granma: And Ma said over and over, “All right. It’s gonna be all right.” And she said hoarsely, “You know the family got to get acrost. You know that” (Steinbeck …show more content…
She never forgets anyone and always makes sure that the family members eat. An explanation of Ma as a Feeder: “This idea of the woman as matriarchal “Feeder” is important in twentieth-century southern fiction and characteristic of real migrant families on their long pilgrimage to California.” (“The Grapes of Wrath.” Literary Themes 77) Ma is expected to feed the family, if Ma were not there, then the family would starve. She is looked upon for sustenance. Steinbeck uses this quote as an example: “Ma smiled. “‘Does smell nice, don’t it? Outside it always smells nice.” And she said proudly, “‘We’d take it in honor ‘f you’d have some breakfus’ with us.’” (304) Ma takes pride in what she does, she even offers to feed the head of the camp because she wants to make a good impression. Even though Ma and her family may not have a lot, she is always striving to feed other people because in her eyes, the “Okies” are her people. Steinbeck declares this quote as Ma helping her people

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