DO NOT READ IF YOU HAVEN'T READ CHAPTER 15 AND FORWARD
Um, this isn't really going to be as formal as I've written before, just a summary of my thoughts on Ma and how strong of a character she was.So, throughout the book, it said that Ma was what held the family together. Without her, the family function would crumble and cease to exist. We saw Ma's willingness to stand up for her family in Chapter 15, when the Wilson's car, driven by all, broke down. Tom said he'd stay behind to fix it, and he'd meet the family once they had made it to California.
Even after all the men had agreed, she refused, and even threatened to hit dad, and anyone who got in her way of keeping her family together. This may seem as Ma just being stubborn, but I thought it was incredibly brave of her since she stood up to her husband--the head of the family.
She didn't let her position in the family hierarchy--or in society--get in her way. She defied the rules of society; she was a woman, she had no say.
I like the fact that even Pa acknowledge Ma's power in the family. In chapter 28, he says, "Funny! Woman takin' over the fambly. Woman sayin' we'll do this here, an' we'll go there. An' I don't even care," (Steinbeck, 1939, 291).
I just really respected the fact that Ma was strong, and she didn't let anything stand in her way to secure her family's safety--not her husband, not society.
Yes I do agree. Ma Joad is a very strong women. The love she has for her family is spectacular. She helps maintain order within the family. I truly admire Ma Joad and her ways.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree more, Ma is such a powerful and admiring woman. Out of all the characters in this book, Ma is my ultimate favorite. Not only does she stand up for what is right but she is also a feminist figure in this story.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. She was what held the family together. I loved that she was so kind yet tough and stood her ground. Like you said, she defied the rules of society and I found that to be very admirable.
ReplyDeleteI can agree Pablo. Ma Joad resembled dignity and diligence in this story. She never gave up on the family and the journey to California even when they couldn't find any work in the camps. I kind of like the twist in the hierarchy tradition. Pa Joad couldn't find any work and Ma Joad had to step up and become the "Dad" of the family and guide them. I sure can say that it gave women more say and a powerful advantage. It abolishes the whole thought of wonmen being rather the dependent factor in the family. If it wasn't for Ma Joad, I don't think the family would be stable enough to move on.
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ReplyDeleteI agree Pablo, Ma does do whatever she can to protect and save her family. She is such a dignified person . She has a good heart, and her main goal throughout the book has been to help her family.
ReplyDeleteI also realized how Ma Joad was a very strong and independent character in the story. I agree with your example in Chapter 15, with the break down of the Wilson car. It truly showed how she should be respected upon. I've also realized how Ma Joad was the only person to push around the family the most, whether it be making the family help her with the food or telling them to take a shower. In Chapter 15, Pa realizes that he has lost his spot in being at the top. ever since then, Ma Joad has been at the top. Thanks for the amazing post Pablo
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