Grapes of Wrath 20 Pa

Pa was the leader of the Joad family, but now his land has been taken from him. He tries hard to remain the head of the family, but this role is being passed onto Ma. He plans to take the Joads to California, and on the way he loses his power. First he is unable to drive the car on the trip. Then he is useless at finding a job in California. He is ashamed that he can’t do the simple task of finding work. Pa slowly becomes more and more quiet, and this forces Ma to lead the family. Pa is becoming quiet because he is losing his place. He used to be able to tell people what to do and it would happen. But now he has nothing to tell them. They are in foreign land and he knows nothing about cars. Ma knows how to take care of her family, so she assumes the role. Most of the characters seem to be building more character, but Pa is deteriorating in character. Tom has been in jail, and he is the most eligible worker. Al is the car master. Ma is the homemaker. Rose of Sharon actually loses her husband and baby, so she has to cope. Pa finally shows character in the end of the story. Rose of Sharon is having her baby and a flood is eminent. Pa says they must dig a ditch. He gets all the men working in a big climactic event to save the family. Pa has everyone digging has much and as fast as they can. They do not want this water to ruin anything. This baby that Rose of Sharon is going to symbolize everything they have worked for and everything to come. Pa is working in one last effort to protect his family from danger. Pa does not do much in most of the story, but he does everything he can at the end. He is a man who wants to help his family.

Steinbeck, John. The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Penguin, 2006. Print.