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 Ma, Ralph knows that the group "needs an assembly" (Golding 78). He wants the group of boys to stay together, and he knows that order is the only way to accomplish union. The motif of meetings by both of the characters is evident to help each crew remain as one. Finally, Ralph also knows that the boys must "look after their selves" (Golding 33). He sees that the boys need to remain independent, yet require a sense of unity. Ralph's views carry over to Ma Joad as she feels that each family member must be self-governing. Both characters push the theme of oneness to defeat misfortune.
             The overcoming of larger societies which these characters share embody the th
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