Patriarchal Model In The Grapes Of Wrath

There is a certain dynamic necessary to keep families from succumbing to circumstance. Historically, men have held the highest rank in the family setting. The men work to sustain the family and are often thought of as the pillars keeping the family strong. Grapes of Wrath contradicts the patriarchal model by creating a strong, yet loving motherly figure. The Grapes of Wrath takes place during the Great Depression, demonstrating the strain within families and how different members of those families perform. The characters within Grapes of Wrath consist of members making up the Joad family. The most intriguing character in the film adaptation of Grapes of Wrath is Ma Joad, who becomes a symbol for mothers by shows great strength, persistence and motherly love.
Great strength is an attribute that Ma Joad exhibits throughout Grapes of Wrath. Ma Joad becomes a character of great strength as the Joad family is faced with challenges coming from the Great Depression. One of the most compelling scenes in Grapes of Wrath takes place when the Joad family prepares to leave for California. Ma Joad sits next to a fire and alone, burns the possessions she can’t take. None of the other characters are seen burning their memories or going through any process to disband from their old life. The willingness that Ma …show more content…
Fears arise within the family and as members consider going a separate direction, Ma Joad reassures and encourages the family to stick together. Ma Joad shows no sign of wanting to separate from her family, she understands that strength comes in numbers. A character that shows persistence is very intriguing and provides the audience with a template of the family pillar. Many times the persistent character is a man, but Grapes of Wrath twists the patriarchal model to fit a woman. Ma Joad represents mothers that work behind the scenes persistently to keep families