Question 12 for Grapes of Wrath

The character of Ma Joad and Rose of Sharon are starkly opposite, as Ma plays a key role in sustaining the family and Rose of Sharon seems to be a burden on the family. Only at the end of the novel does Ma instill her motherly "others centered" characteristics in Rose of Sharon, maturing her in a way that she no longer seeks personal gain, but learns to give of herself for the benefit of others.

From the beginning chapters to the end of the novel, Steinbeck illustrates Ma as being a hard worker, depicting her as the "rock" or foundation of the family. Her character is strong, and by hiding her emotions, she sets the mood of the other members of the family and drives them to persevere throughout the journey to California. Her main role is to keep the family together no matter the cost (whether it be living off a little food or risking the safety of the family as a whole). Ma focuses her attention towards the needs of her family, not seeking her own comfort. She is the one who puts food on the table, and becomes the one, who even determines when the family will move to find new work and controls how the little money saved will be spent.

Rose of Sharon, on the other hand, has a shallow character and is easily swayed by her emotions. Though this may result from her pregnancy, she does not attempt to control her feelings, wearing them on her sleeve throughout the journey. Her needs may seem to be greater than the others' due to the sensitivity of her situation, but she is shockingly selfish, putting herself before others. When Winfield is seriously ill and needs milk to give him strength, Rose of Sharon pouts and complains that she is the one who should be given milk. Though she is gullible in some aspects, believing what the devout woman of the camp tells her about sins that could cause her to lose the baby, Rose of Sharon does not show wisdom or understanding. When Connie leaves her, she could almost be seen as a detriment to the family. She doesn't do anything to help, but rather is a drain on the budget as she needs extra milk to survive as well.

In most of the novel, Rose of Sharon seems to be immature, and obstinate in taking Ma's advice and guidance; finally in the last chapter of the novel she takes on Ma's characteristics. The turning point in her character is when she miscarriages the baby-resulting in her growth and maturity. This causes her to not be ashamed of exposing herself while sustaining a man's life by giving up her breast-milk. This is when she switches from being self-centered to being sensitive to others' needs. She inherits Ma's character of the nurturer or "Earth Mother," saving lives, which was Ma's role in the family for the entire trip to California.