Grapes of Wrath Theme
The Grapes of Wrath Theme
As we read the novel, Steinbeck wants us to think about a lot of things. Like family, hope, power, a new beginning, love for the land and many more. A theme that has greatly impacted me is family; the close relationship of a family. The Joads are all very close to each other and love and care greatly for each other. Steinbeck has shown that in the Joad’s family the men make decisions and the women humbly listen to them. “And then Ma came out of the house, and Grandma with her, and Rose of Sharon behind...They took their places behind the squatting men...” (Steinbeck 100). Since Grandpa is the eldest man of the family, he has the first say in all of the decisions. “His position was honorary and a matter of custom. But he did have the right of first comment, no matter how silly his old mind might be. And the squatting men and the standing women waited for him” (Steinbeck 101). Even though Grandpa is way too old to be making important family decisions, the Joads still let him because they respect him and as the eldest they consider he deserves that as a family custom. Another theme that stood out to me in this novel is power .Ma represents power. “The eyes of the family shifted back to Ma. She was the power. She had taken control” (Steinbeck 169). Men are who declare decisions in this family tradition, but Ma has power so whatever she says is what goes. She keeps the family together and makes sure they all have a close relationship.
As we read the novel, Steinbeck wants us to think about a lot of things. Like family, hope, power, a new beginning, love for the land and many more. A theme that has greatly impacted me is family; the close relationship of a family. The Joads are all very close to each other and love and care greatly for each other. Steinbeck has shown that in the Joad’s family the men make decisions and the women humbly listen to them. “And then Ma came out of the house, and Grandma with her, and Rose of Sharon behind...They took their places behind the squatting men...” (Steinbeck 100). Since Grandpa is the eldest man of the family, he has the first say in all of the decisions. “His position was honorary and a matter of custom. But he did have the right of first comment, no matter how silly his old mind might be. And the squatting men and the standing women waited for him” (Steinbeck 101). Even though Grandpa is way too old to be making important family decisions, the Joads still let him because they respect him and as the eldest they consider he deserves that as a family custom. Another theme that stood out to me in this novel is power .Ma represents power. “The eyes of the family shifted back to Ma. She was the power. She had taken control” (Steinbeck 169). Men are who declare decisions in this family tradition, but Ma has power so whatever she says is what goes. She keeps the family together and makes sure they all have a close relationship.