Frailty, thy name is a woman! This quote can be found in William Shakespeares famed literary work, Hamlet. Throughout the decades and centuries there has been much dispute about the strength and role of the weaker vessel. But, many other sources have proven that women are, in fact just as strong if not stronger than any other vessel. In literary works throughout history, women have been portrayed in helpless and domestic, feminine roles. John Steinbeck did not employ this depiction in his novels, The Grapes of Wrath in particular. In the novel, The Grapes of Wrath the roles in which Stienbeck portrayed the women was contrary to the common roles of women, in the economic depression the United States suffered through in the 1930s, which is the time period in which the book was set. Examining his portrayal of the female characters throughout the book one sees, the women becoming strong, dominant characters, and family leaders.In The Grapes of Wrath, the actions of Ma Joad are used to portray her as the strongest character. We can see this throughout the book even as early as chapter ten, in this chapter the reader feels sympathy for her having been permanently removed from the land and home she has known for so many years. Despite all of the pain caused from this, we are taken to the scene on page 95, where Ma is alone in her empty house. She picks up an old and tattered box, filled with memories; she gently caresses these momentoes, She bit her lower lip, thinking, remembering. And at last she made up her mind. She then selected a few items carefully, Then gently and tenderly she closed the box and smoothed the top carefully with her fingers. Her lips parted. Then she stood up, took her lantern, and went back into the kitchen. She lifted the stove lid and laid the box gently among the coals. This shows strength in that, she is able to part with these memories she cherishes for the good of the family so there is more room on the truck f...
