The Grapes of Wrath Essay -- Literary Analysis, John Steinbeck

What does family mean today? What did it mean 80 years ago? The theme of family is explored throughout the novel The Grapes of Wrath, particularly in the character Ma Joad. In some ways her definition is similar to mine, in some ways it is different. John Steinbeck used her meaning of family to help contri howevere to his message of the book, the obstetrical delivery power of family. Ma Joad makes numerous actions and says countless things that depict to the reader how she views and defines family. I agree with a select few of them. I do believe that the family social unit should stick together, but only to an extent. Ma Joad recounts that Al-hes a-hankerin an a-jibbitin to go off on his ingest There aint no fambly now (ch.26, p.536). She is implying that collectable to the absence of Noah and Al wanting to leave, they have lost their family ties. Without these ties they are no long-life a family. Al even says that he is goin out on his own purty soon. Fella can make his way lot easier if he aint got a fambly (ch. 26 p487). He is implying that he will no longer associate himself with the other Joads because they are weighing him down, keeping him from his own desires. When Rose of Sharon brings up that she and Connie dnt want to live in the county no more a little worry came on Mas face (Ch 16, p224). She did not like the thought of her daughter, although married with a baby on the way would of all time leave her and her husband. She even goes so far as to ask Rose of Sharon Aint you gonna stay with us- with the family (Ch16 p224). I would be devastated if one of my siblings decided to up and leave without any intentions of returning. Sticking together is vital to keep a healthy family relationship. Although they do not live with us, I see my siblings a... ... He so goes on to tell Tom about how a Hoovervilles is structured and cue him in on how he will be treated in the inaugurate and the future. This shows us that the people are one group, one famil y. He is dropping settle hints to help Tom and the Joad family despite the fact that they just became acquainted with all(prenominal) other. The entire migrant force became one family.Family is a timeless importance in our mental and physical well being. In the novel The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck depicts this cultural characteristic in Ma Joad. Although the definition of family has changed, some characteristics still hold true. Family does not necessarily mean genetically similar. It can mean much more than that, such as a large group of people struggling together to survive. One single person can belong to many families, but essentially we are all one family, the human race.