Utilizing Ma’s character development, Steinbeck illustrates the main theme of loss in The Grapes of Wrath. At first, especially on page 231, Ma is distraught over her family attempting to break up, crying that they have “a long bitter road ahead” and “all we got is the family unbroke.” Nevertheless, as she suffers through more losses, Ma abandons her familial ideals. For example, Noah leaves on page 294, and Ma endures the situation. In the end, the hostility leaves entirely when Tom becomes a criminal again, and Ma accepts that he needs to hide away from the family: she even gives Tom a sum of money so he can escape California. Ma’s eventual acceptance portrays the theme where loss of employment, money, food, and family is an imminent threat;
