"The most significant character in the novel is Ma Joad. Without her emphasis on the family, the Joads would not have persisted."
             Ma Joad, one of the central female characters in John Steinbeck's 'Grapes of Wrath', is significant due to her emphasis on the importance of persevering. The novel portrays the story of a struggling family, the Joads, who are forced from their home in Oklahoma and head to California in search for work and prosperity. Their long, strenuous journey to the land of 'milk and honey' (pg.) is accompanied by challenges that serve only to strengthen the human spirit. Ma Joad, a spirited woman sustaining a gentle, motherly nature, is the pillar of strength the entire Joad family is dependent on. Through their reliance, she transcends the stereotypical female position, rising up as a leader.
             Through the course of the pilgrimage, Ma exhibits excellent self-control and inner strength. She is, in fact, the backbone of the family, knowing within herself that it is essential she remains strong for the Joads to survive. Ma exercises self-control in many circumstances the family encounters. This is particularly evident in her reaction when Ruthie tells some children about Tom's secret. (Quote). The family became nervous and enraged over the situation, but Ma restores order through her handling of the situation in a calm and collected manner. (Quote). It must be kept in mind that Ma is just as frightened as the rest of the family. She is acutely aware, however, that if she is to portray her fear, the survival of her family will be placed in jeopardy. Ma takes into consideration the fact that "Old Tom and the children (cannot) know hurt or fear unless she (acknowledges) hurt or fear." (Pg.) Enlightened with this understanding, Ma maintains a front for their benefit. Instead of acknowledging her fears, she "(practices) denying them in herself." (Pg.) It is Ma's self-control and inner strength that helps to keep the Joad ...