Ma Joad's position in the Joad's family is that of a leader. She is the support for all the members of her family. She not only takes necessary and tiresome tasks such a: cooking, washing,... but has an immense auto control and security that reassures the entire family, and make the trip possible. She influences each and every one of the members of her family, especially as a position of power and support. She fights for her family's unity with all her strengths, and sets aside all her individual needs for her family. Since the beginning of the book Ma's position is one of strength and authority, yet as the story develops it is until Ma Joad confronts Pa Joad because he wants to separate the family that we truly see her position as a leader: "She brought out a jack handle and balanced it in her hand easily. 'i ain't a-gonna go,' she said. (...) She said softly, 'On'y way you gonna get me to go is whup me'. She moved the jack handle gently again' an' I'll shame you, Pa, i won't take no whuppin', cryin' an' a beggin'. I'll light into you. An' you ain't so sure you can whup me anyways. An' if ya do get me' I swear to God I'll wait till you got your back turned, or you're settin' down, an' I'll knock you belly-up with a bucket. I swear to holy Jesus' sake I will'. (Steinbeck, pgs. 168-169).
------Alejandra Lopez and Daniela Antillon.
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In keeping with the other categories, why not call this one "Ma the Leader". This entry is a little too long to be one the three types I've mentioned in class. Of course there is nothing wrong with writing summaries as you go along in your reading,if you do it's better to label them that way. Next week's assignment will require that you write notes following the format I described in class
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