Just a warning for those who have not finished the book yet this post will contain spoilers!
The Joads kindness throughout the book was very respectable because even when they did not have much, they still helped others. The closing sequence of the book was very powerful because despite having lost her baby, Rose of Sharon offers her breast milk to a sick man in need of it. Although some might find this image disturbing, I find it to be very honorable and kind.
Let me know what you guys found powerful in this chapter. Did I miss anything? Anything to add? Please comment down below.
I was so happy when Rose gave the man her breast milk. It just showed how strong she was, and she really represented hope to me. Even among all the sadness and sorrow of losing her baby, she managed to nurture life, which I think it helped satisfy her motherly instincts
ReplyDeleteNot only that, but it was refreshing seeing her, in a way, find solace in all the despair the migrants and her family was facing. "Rose of Sharon loosened one side of teh blanket and bared her breast....her hand moved beside his head to support it. Her fingers moved gently in his hair. She looked across the barn, and her lips came together and smiled mysteriously," (Steinbeck, 1939, p. 313). She was happy that she was able to provide nutrition--provide life. I thought this ended the book on a hopeful note because if Rose managed to be content, maybe the others would be content as well.
Yeah I completely agree, her strength and willingness to help a person in need, even after all the pain was truly admirable.
DeleteBefore this, Rose of Sharon would complain of Connie leaving her and of how everything could have been much better if he stayed and studied. This tragedy made her grow up and turn into the woman she was meant to be. She thought Connie leaving her was the worst tragedy to ever happen to her but she was wrong and she learned from it. With Ma by her side, without doubt, Rose of Sharon will be a grand woman.
ReplyDeleteI agree, this tragedy did force her to grow up and mature quickly and I think that can be seen in the last paragraph of the book.
DeleteI can agree Pamela. They family did whatever they could to help others. Like when they were in a camp and tons of kids came around their tent because they had seen food. Ma Joad was nice enough to give them the left overs of the food that she had left. Most of the family felt horrible seeing kids starving. Now they know that the rumors of California being told by a man at a camp that they were at before was actually telling the truth. California did have most of the jobs occupied and starving, dying children. Great post Pamela.
ReplyDeleteThank you and I agree with you. It was very kind of Ma to give what was left of the food, although it was not much, to the children.
DeleteYeah I agree with you Pamela.the ending of the book was very powerful. It was shocking, yet beautiful how Roe of Sharon gave the old man her Breast milk.The Joads have survived alot.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The Joads did survive a lot and it was shocking when Rose of Sharon gave her breast milk to the man but like you said, it was also beautiful.
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