Perfection is unrealistic. In society, people face hardships, internal struggles, and temptations. However, those who overcome these obstacles are society’s heroes. Heroes suffer from guilt and sin, but their courage and strength outweigh their flaws. In The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck reveals the characteristics of a flawed hero as his characters face the treacherous journey to California. Throughout the novel, characters’ strengths are tested to portray the realistic qualities of a modern hero. Distress leads to heroism.
The characters in The Grapes of Wrath are forced to compete for survival while battling their internal flaws and conflicts. Throughout the novel, Jim Casy, a former preacher, struggles with the guilt and sin he has committed. …show more content…
Tom Joad has experienced the prison lifestyle after killing a drunken man with a shovel. His short temper and past sins follow him as he leads the Joads to California. Throughout the trip, Tom is forced to restrain from violence and conflict in order to prevent breaking his parole. While the Joads are traveling, they are stopped by an angry mob who verbally harass and threaten them. “‘Well, goddamn it, you’re going’ the wrong way. We ain’t gonna have no goddamn Okies in this town’” (279). Tom’s calm and appropriate response symbolizes grace under pressure. This experience marks the beginning of Tom maturing into manhood. While Tom represents heroism through his personal accomplishments, Ma Joad serves as a hero to the Joad family on their way to …show more content…
Without Ma Joad, the family would have never survived the mental and physical exhaustion they faced. “At times she assumes mythic proportions, but her portraiture is also realistic and she acts with wisdom. Impressionistically, she is firmly planted in the earth, but she is more dependable than the land, which could not withstand the buffeting of nature or the persistent demands of small farmers or the evil encroachment of technology and corporate power” (McKay 671). Ma’s strength and motivation forces the Joads to search for work and financial comfort. Her dream of a nice house and sending her children to school only makes her more determined to continue their journey. Ma’s short temper and violent threats ensure her power and authority over the Joad family. Her fearlessness to threaten both cops and Pa signify her empowered characteristics of a wife and mother. Although her anger and manipulation challenges the average role of a wife and mother, the Joads rely on her strength and perseverance. Ma’s heroic qualities comfort and ensure the safety of the
The characters in The Grapes of Wrath are forced to compete for survival while battling their internal flaws and conflicts. Throughout the novel, Jim Casy, a former preacher, struggles with the guilt and sin he has committed. …show more content…
Tom Joad has experienced the prison lifestyle after killing a drunken man with a shovel. His short temper and past sins follow him as he leads the Joads to California. Throughout the trip, Tom is forced to restrain from violence and conflict in order to prevent breaking his parole. While the Joads are traveling, they are stopped by an angry mob who verbally harass and threaten them. “‘Well, goddamn it, you’re going’ the wrong way. We ain’t gonna have no goddamn Okies in this town’” (279). Tom’s calm and appropriate response symbolizes grace under pressure. This experience marks the beginning of Tom maturing into manhood. While Tom represents heroism through his personal accomplishments, Ma Joad serves as a hero to the Joad family on their way to …show more content…
Without Ma Joad, the family would have never survived the mental and physical exhaustion they faced. “At times she assumes mythic proportions, but her portraiture is also realistic and she acts with wisdom. Impressionistically, she is firmly planted in the earth, but she is more dependable than the land, which could not withstand the buffeting of nature or the persistent demands of small farmers or the evil encroachment of technology and corporate power” (McKay 671). Ma’s strength and motivation forces the Joads to search for work and financial comfort. Her dream of a nice house and sending her children to school only makes her more determined to continue their journey. Ma’s short temper and violent threats ensure her power and authority over the Joad family. Her fearlessness to threaten both cops and Pa signify her empowered characteristics of a wife and mother. Although her anger and manipulation challenges the average role of a wife and mother, the Joads rely on her strength and perseverance. Ma’s heroic qualities comfort and ensure the safety of the