Grapes of Wrath vs. LOF
Leaders are the key to a successful uprising of the oppressed or persecuted. They have led the way in many revolts both in our history and in the present. In most instances, there are major leaders who guide the larger masses and smaller leaders who lead the small groups. The leaders, often, strive more when they are faced with adversity. These leaders become evident in the novels The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The theme of leading the group to conquer inner beliefs parallels Ma Joad and Ralph. The hunger for sticking together by both of the characters reflects the theme of union to overcome hardship. Ma Joad perseveres until the family "becomes a unit" (Steinbeck 189). She strives to keep the family intact and caring for each other. The motif of leadership is apparent in many cases, as she is devastated at the mere fact of thinking of leaving the family. Ma, in addition, knows that "the family has to get across" (Steinbeck 312). She will struggle, at any cost, to achieve what is best for the family, to get to California. Ma wants love and attachment among the family; however, she will put their well being before it in some cases. As in cases with
He wants the group of boys to stay together, and he knows that order is the only way to accomplish union. Ralph and Ma Joad, in each case, employ their leadership motifs to bring out the strong and weak hearted in their books. In Ma's instance, she influences many people including Tom who "gets to thinking a lot" (Steinbeck 572). The Joad family, along with Ma, will fight until satisfied, and Noah feels that it will be unbearable. Finally, Ralph also knows that the boys must "look after their selves" (Golding 33). Ralph helps keep Simon strong-hearted, while Jack and his tribe turn to savagery. The "madness comes into the eyes" (Golding 51), finally, of Jack as he will not follow Ralph anymore. Both of the characters' leadership motifs also reveal the contrast between good and evil in each novel. Ralph, also, feels that Jack acts only "for his own good," (Golding 189) while, as a leader he should guide his crew. The motif of meetings by both of the characters is evident to help each crew remain as one. As we see in each novel, most leaders thrive when faced with obstacles. Both characters are the only sources of hope for the persecuted groups. The theme of the resilient human spirit parallels Ma Joad and Ralph, as each must overthrow a larger organization. Also, "no one else" (Golding 50) except Simon helps Ralph build the huts. The powerful heart in Tom comes out as he starts to contemplate Ma's, as well as Jim Casy's, main ideals.
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