John Steinbeck's novel, The Grapes of Wrath, is a story that takes place during America's dreadful period of depression. The novel tells of real, diverse characters who experience growth through turmoil and hardship. This novel portrays the life of the Joad family, who go through the harsh struggles of poverty and migration. They are forced to leave their drought stricken land of Oklahoma, hoping to find work in California, but soon they find out the horrors behind the picturesque mask of their excursion. In their quest to reach the promise land, they unveil the truth in relation to many people that they come across. The difference between the "heroes" and the "villains" comes to life, as the Joad's trudge through the thick trials and tribulations along the blistering road to a better life.
             Throughout the story Ma is a model of the strength of the human spirit. She strives to keep the family together no matter what or who stands in her way. For example, Steinbeck says of her, "if she swayed the family shook, and if she ever really deeply wavered or despaired the family would fall, the family will to function would be gone". She is the foundation upon which the rest of the family stands. Just as when a single driblet of dye is dropped into a glass of water and disperses throughout, her strength permeates to the rest of the family, infusing them with her mightiness. Also, when the Wilsons' car breaks down and Pa proposes splitting up just for a short time until the car is repaired she threatens him with a jack handle. She knows that all they have in the world is each other and without that hold on to, the have nothing. There is a saying "one finds comfort in numbers" however in this case "comfort" is replaced with survival. In addition, near the end of the book, when the boxcars have flooded, and it seems all hope has been lost, Ma leads the family to higher ground.
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