The Grapes of Wrath: Character Roles & Responsibilities
John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath portrays the different ways in which the central characters illustrate the various roles and responsibilities of the individual and society. During the course of the novel the Joads move from a concern only for themselves and their personal welfare to a concern for all the people of the world. Tom Joad moves from a strictly independent way of thinking only for his own comfort to a devotion to his family, and finally moves away from his family and accepts the world as his family. Ma Joad is shown to be the figure keeping the family together, and as the novel progresses she begins to become part of a larger human family. Lastly, Rose of Sharon is first only concerned about the welfare of herself and her unborn child and by the end of the novel her role is expanded and part of the struggle of mankind. Tom Joad appears to be the main protagonist and central character, and perhaps the one who develops most and survives in the novel. At the beginning of the novel, he is a sensitive, kind and communicative person. He can be referred to as being individualistic and quick to anger if he feels he is being pushed around. Tom focuses on his own personal and material well-being and of course, the welfar
This was first seen when Tom, Ma's son, suggested that the family continue driving while he and Jim Casy, the preacher, stayed behind to fix the Wilson's (a family the Joads met on their way to California) automobile. He does not regret that the man is dead, but Tom feels he was only defending himself. But the conditions under which she actually gives birth to the baby serve to destroy all her dreams. He became a new man who fought for social amelioration and a better way of life for his people and for all struggling people. Tom moves from the independently and selfishly way of thinking toward the philosophy of humanism in the novel. Ma chose to take command and motivate her family in every possible way. The hardship and hostility faced by the Joad family on their journey west serves to convert Tom to Casy's teachings. Rose of Sharon is shown to be selfish throughout most of the trip, especially when it comes to milk for her unborn baby. An instance of Ma's sympathetic attitude towards people other than her family was when she comforts the Wilsons and forces them to accept money and food when they are parting. Steinbeck portrays the character of Rose of Sharon to be one that is very selfish and concerned only of herself and her unborn child. Although he was still an outlaw of society at the end of the book, his status changed immensely. In the early part of the journey Rose of Sharon and her husband, Connie, dream of their life westward, as she is pregnant with her unborn child. He acknowledges that fact that man cannot live alone and must join together in with other men because strength comes from unity. Thus, she maintained a front before the family that never faltered.
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Acceptance Essays
