Phylosophical

Ma Joad: " 'Tommy, don't you go fightin' 'em alone. They'll hunt you down like a coyote. Tommy, I got to thinkin' an' dreamin' an' wonderin'. They say there's a hun'red thousand of us shoved out. If we was all mad the same way, Tommy--they wouldn't hunt nobody down--' She stopped. (...) -tommy: 'you never was like this before!' Her face hardened and her eyes grew cold. 'I never had my house pushed over. I never had my fambly stuck out on the road. I never had to sell -ever'thing-' ".(Steinbeck, pg. 77)
NOTE: This quote shows the beginning of Ma’s changing philosophy. She starts wondering why is it that if they all face the same conditions, why shouldn’t they unite. She starts having revolutionary thoughts; thoughts she tries to keeps to herself for he know they are a danger to herself and eventually her family.
Ma Joad is clear in her position as the basis of the family. And she is sure that the family must stay together to survive. She is shock by the change in her reality, but she accepts it and transforms it to a reasonable and livable situation, for the good and security of her family. Her ideas are all of unity: in an individual way (her family), and a totalitarian way (the entire population that is in her same position). Although she is sure about this she only carries out her family's unity and is not willing to give anything up for it . Ex: She stands up to Pa Joad, not to let the family separate. And she never denies help to someone that needs it.
-- Dani Antillon and Ale Lopez

Ma Joad Intellectually

Given the background and description of the Joad family and their history it becomes clear that Ma Joad's education was basic or even null for those times. Although she probably did not have what we would consider a general knowledge of sections such as world history, science and arts; she is highlighted as a wise woman all throughout the book. Her experience with day to day situations is known by all those around her thus making her vital for decision making and question asking situations: she always seemed to have the answer, even if she herself was insecure. Her analysis of situations and behaviors excels that of a simple uneducated woman and thus makes her an outstanding figure.
----Alejandra Lopez and Daniela Antillon

Emotional Charac.

Ma Joad continually shows her capability of self control and selflessness for her family. She sets aside her grief, pain, tiresome, insecurity,... to enable her capacity to reassure the family; spread security and hope. Her position in her family is vital and she acknowledges and accepts this with great humility and courage. Not because she is close minded but simply because she can't find another way to control herself: she thinks only of the present, and doesn't let her-self be overwhelmed by what may or may not be. A clear example of this is when she is talking with Al in the middle of the desert of Arizona and he asks her if she does not fear the comments the there is no work in California. Ma answers almost immidatly and with no doubt that she can only take as much the present: she cannot think of what may be, because she is strong enough. (Steinbeck, pg. 124)
---Alejandra Lopez and Daniela Antillon

Physical Characteristics

Seen by others: "Ma was heavy, but not fat; thick with childbearing and work. She wore a loose Mother Hubbard of gray cloth in which there had once been colored flowers, but the color was washed out now (...). The dress came down to her ankles, and her strong, broad, bare feet moved quickly and defly over the floor. Her thin, steelgray hair was gathered in a spare wispy knot at the back of her head. Strong, freckled arms were bare to the elbow, and her hands were chubby and delicate, like those of a plump little girl. Her full face was not soft; it was controlled, kindly. Her hazel eyes seemed to have experienced all possible tragedy and to have mounted pain and suffering like steps into a high calm and undercitadel of the family". (Steinbeck, pg.74). "The preacher said, "She looks tar'd."" (Steinbeck, pg. 108). These descriptions clearly explain the physical characteristics of Ma Joad. She is an aged women, who's entire factions show her rough and strong life experiences. She is simple and secure; and her roughness in her face show her hard work and dedication for her family, thus she is always tired but calm.
----Alejandra Lopez and Daniela Antillon