The ending of The Grapes of Wrath left me in awe. As I read the last sentences, and tried to write something in my book, I could only write these four words: "Wow. I am speechless." Throughout the novel, there are many scenes which depict the character of the Joad family, especially on the part of Ma Joad. She is the epitome of nobility in a world of sorrow and despair. Her actions and her voice is steadfast to the end and although there are times she seems to falter slightly, she stops, takes a slight step back and shoves forward to ensure the family's survival. In the final scene, you can see that her leadership has not gone in vain. As her daughter is faced with a horrific choice, to give up the fluid that would have provided life to her child, she unquestioningly offers life to a stranger. The interaction between Ma Joad and Rose of Sharon in this matter is one of unspoken feeling more than words. All Rose of Sharon says is "Yes" without even being asked the question. I believe the mysterious smile on Rose of Sharon's face comes from her own new-found knowledge of self-worth, and that she is truly a good person.
The future of the Joads is to struggle onward, through any trial set in front of them, just as they have up to this point. Every challenge has been met head-on, and though they have felt extreme loss and depression, they have pulled together to overcome them. The family's character is to never give up, and always act in a manner to protect the family as whole. This is seen repeated as members offer to leave the group. This is not a sense of giving up, but rather a self-sacrifice in order to better the group. The only person that walks away for his own personal gain is Connie, and the family is better for it. Ma Joad will continue to lead them, and motivate them, and care for them until the very end. She is the driving force of the Joad family, and her guidance is their means to survive.
The ending of the book was truly unexpected, it was out of no where. Ma was such a strong character throughout the novel without her the story would be a completely different one. Including the ending, this was one of my most favorite books.
ReplyDeleteThen ending was one of the best endings that I think that I have read before. It leaves the reader hanging in a way. I also think Ma Joad is a great character. I think that Tom is more interesting than her but that is my opinion.
ReplyDeleteI like you interpretation of Rose of Sharon's smile. I originally thought it was because she felt as though she finally had the baby that she lost, but now I see that it really could be because she found self-worth in her actions. I almost like that answer better, but I think it could be a combination of both.
ReplyDeleteI didn't see the ending of the book ending the way that it did. I don't like the hanging feeling I want to know what happened to the Joads did they make it rich or what? but I think Tom played a bigger role then Ma Joad.
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