Four Powerful Women in Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck ...

One of the most important attributes seldom attributed to women is the innate ability to keep the family as a cohesive whole. Women are the rock in the midst of familial turmoil, the solid foundation on which a husband or head of a household can stand firm. Fully assured that womanhood will stand back of the ranks and take care of domestic needs. Women have qualities that keep the family strong, these unique attributes can divided into several standards. One being the physical aspect of â€Å"mother† nature, two virginity representing the religious type of the standard, three is the young bitch who represent the physical state while four is the old bitch who also has a spiritual side of the woman standard. In the Grapes of Wrath by J.†¦show more content†¦Though it goes unsaid it is recognized and a known fact that, â€Å"ma was powerful in the group† and they often times consulted her in times of big decision making endeavors (133). She was often sought by th e men in the family know how to react in certain situations. Steinbeck used the clichà ©, â€Å"When mama is happy, everybody is happy†. If Ma was unhappy the whole family was unhappy. Ma understood this clichà © well enough to know that she must control her reaction and emotions. . Mas ...full face was not soft; it was controlled kindly because she knows she is the role model in her family. When Tom left to go to jail, she had to control her real feelings toward missing him because she doesnt want the family to be upset as well. Al explains to Tom she mourned when you was gone. Done it all to herself. Kinda cryin down inside of her through. We could tell what she was thinkin about, though they knew how she was felling even though she tried to hide it (227). Ma’s dream is to see her family live in happiness and prosper though it is not in her control. To let your kids live on their own and make their own decisions is the hardest thing for a mother to do. Maâ€⠄¢s true character is shown when she allows Rose of Sharon to make her own decision: â€Å"Mas eyes passed Rose of Sharons eyes, and then came back to them. And the two women looked deep into each other.Show MoreRelatedGrapes of Wrath and of Mice and Men: Character Study991 Words   |  4 PagesGrapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men: Character Study The American Novelist, John Steinbeck was a powerful writer of dramatic stories about good versus bad. His own views on writing were that not only should a writer make the story sound good but also the story written should teach a lesson. In fact, Steinbeck focused many of his novels, not on average literary themes rather he tended to relay messages about the many hard truths of life in The United States. Upon winning the Nobel Peace PrizeRead MoreAnalysis Of John Steinbeck s Of Mice And Men 1476 Words   |  6 Pages1930’s based upon the hardship and rough times of the great depression. It was written by Nobel prize winning novelist John Steinbeck. Steinbeck’s life influenced his literature, as he was in identical situations as the character he describes in his novel. Steinbeck was a migrant worker who also conveniently grew up on a ranch. He also wrote another book called ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ during this time period. We can imagine that his own experiences were influential to the context of his novel. The purposeRead MoreBook Report/Character Analysis on the Acts of King Arthur and His Noble Knights by John Steinbeck5483 Words   |  22 Pages------------------------------------------------- The Acts of King Arthur and His ------------------------------------------------- Noble Knights ------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------------------------- By John Steinbeck ------------------------------------------------- Part One: Plot The first section of the book is entitled Merlin. The story begins by telling how Arthur came to be born and then flows into the life of ArthurRead MoreBrief Survey of American Literature3339 Words   |  14 PagesAmerican / American Indian oral literature / oral tradition creation storiesï ¼Ë†Ã¨ µ ·Ã¦ º Ã§ ¥Å¾Ã¨ ¯ Ã¯ ¼â€° trickster talesï ¼Ë†Ã¦  ¶Ã¤ ½Å"å‰ §Ã¨â‚¬â€¦Ã¤ ¼  Ã¥ ¥â€¡Ã¯ ¼â€° rituals / ceremoniesï ¼Ë†Ã¥â€¦ ¸Ã¤ » ªÃ¯ ¼â€° songs / chantsï ¼Ë†Ã¦â€º ²Ã¨ ¯ Ã¯ ¼â€° Anglo Settlers’ Writings Highly religious and pragmatic - John Smith, founder of Jamestown, Virginia; Pocahontas - John Winthrop, â€Å"A Model of Christian Charity†: â€Å"†¦ We shall be as a city upon a hill. The eyes of all people are upon us†¦Ã¢â‚¬  - William Bradford, Of Plymouth Plantation (1630-50, pub. 1856) - Anne Bradstreet (1612-1672)