Grapes of Wrath

In the novel The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, the women characters play the backbone of the migrant during their search for a better life. Ma Joad takes it upon herself to keep the family together despite hardships and obstacles a long the way. Like Ma, Rose of Sharon and Grandma Joad display similar traits as well. The women characters of Steinbeck’s novel reflect many American women in the early 20th century.
First of all, the character that continually proves herself the most strong willed is Ma. For example, in chapter sixteen, Tom and Casey decide to stay behind and fix the Wilson’s car so the family can continue on down the road. Ma will not stand for that. She worries that they won’t reunite with Tom and Casey on down the road due to the extremely large amount of fellow travelers. Pa is trying to talk her into letting the boys stay, but Ma refuses to give in. “I ain’t a-gonna go…On’y way you gonna get me to go is whup me. An’ I’ll shame you Pa, I won’t...