The Grapes of Wrath: Characters (OCR A Level English Literature)
Revision Note
The Grapes of Wrath: Characters
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck focuses on the Joad family and the people they encounter while trying to find work during the Great Depression in America. Each character contributes to the novel’s exploration of themes such as the American Dream. Characters can also be symbolic, representing certain ideas or ideals, so it is essential that you consider:
how characters are established
how characters are presented via:
actions and motives
what they say and think
how they interact with others
what others say and think about them
their physical appearance or description
how far the characters conform to or subvert stereotypes
the relationships between characters
what they might represent
Below you will find detailed character profiles for the major characters in The Grapes of Wrath, along with a summary of the other significant characters.
Main characters
Other characters
Examiner Tip
In the exam, the idea of character as a conscious construct should be evident throughout your response. While there is a cinematic adaptation of the novel, you should try to avoid seeing the original characters as “early versions” of the characters in the film.
Instead, focus solely on the text, and your analysis of characters should be literary rather than influenced by other versions or representations.
Tom Joad
Tom Joad is the main character and protagonist of the novel:
The story follows Tom’s journey as he returns to his family after serving time in prison for killing a man
He is deeply aware of social injustice and becomes increasingly involved in labour and social movements
His experiences expose him to the plight of migrant workers and the exploitation they face
He undergoes significant character development throughout the novel:
Initially, he is portrayed as a hot-tempered and impulsive young man
But by the end of the novel, he evolves into a more thoughtful and socially conscious person
Tom’s love and loyalty to his family drive many of his actions:
He risks breaking the conditions of his probation by travelling outside of the state with his family to California
Despite personal challenges, he remains committed to supporting and protecting his family
Tom represents the common man struggling against the hardships of the Great Depression:
His story reflects the broader experiences of the working class during that era
Tom has a contentious relationship with authority figures, which is especially obvious when he becomes involved in labour strikes:
His defiance reflects a broader resistance against oppressive systems
Tom is influenced by the former preacher, Jim Casy, who challenges traditional religious beliefs and introduces Tom to a more humanistic and collective perspective
The novel ends with Tom leaving his family to continue fighting for social justice, leaving his future uncertain and reflecting the unresolved challenges of the time
Jim Casy
Jim Casy is introduced as a former preacher who gave up his ministry due to a crisis of faith and a desire for a more authentic understanding of existence:
After leaving the ministry, Casy becomes a philosophical wanderer, seeking to understand the nature of life and humanity
Casy decides to join the Joad family as they travel to California:
Casy significantly influences Tom Joad’s thinking and perspective, introducing him to more humanistic and collective ideologies
He rejects traditional religious doctrines, opting for a more personal connection with the world:
His philosophy revolves around the idea of the “whole spirit”, emphasising the interconnectedness of all individuals and the importance of unity
Casy is arrested in California as he turns himself in to protect Tom from being arrested when an altercation with the authorities turns violent
Casy becomes involved in labour movement activities, advocating for the rights and fair treatment of workers during the Great Depression
Casy sacrifices himself for the cause of social justice, taking a beating meant for another striking worker and ultimately losing his life in the struggle:
His self-sacrifice and willingness to suffer for the collective good draw parallels to the Christ-like archetype, symbolising a secular form of redemption
Even after his death, Casy’s spirit lingers as a guiding force for Tom and others, embodying the continuing struggle for justice
Casy becomes a symbol of the dispossessed and marginalised, reflecting the struggles of those who question societal norms and seek a more authentic existence
Casy is portrayed as an intellectual and thoughtful character, engaging in philosophical discussions about life, society and the human experience
Ma Joad
Ma Joad is the matriarch of the Joad family, responsible for holding the family together during their journey and hardships
She is characterised by her inner strength and resilience, especially in the face of adversity and the challenges posed by the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression
Ma’s primary concern is the wellbeing of her family, and she goes to great lengths to ensure their survival and unity
Throughout the novel, Ma adapts to changing circumstances, demonstrating her ability to navigate difficult situations and make tough decisions:
She symbolises maternal love and sacrifice, as she selflessly puts the needs of her children and family above her own
Ma is pragmatic and realistic, acknowledging the harsh realities of their situation and making practical decisions for her family’s benefit
She represents the strength of women during challenging times, embodying the resilience and fortitude needed to endure hardship
Despite her focus on her family, Ma also demonstrates compassion for others, offering support to those in need, including other migrant families
She becomes a symbol of unity for the Joad family, working to maintain solidarity among its members even as external forces threaten to tear them apart:
Ma often serves as the voice of reason within the family, offering practical advice and soothing words during moments of tension
As the family faces numerous challenges, Ma assumes a leadership role, guiding the family with a mix of pragmatism, love and a deep sense of responsibility
Pa Joad
Pa Joad is the patriarch of the family, responsible for making the decisions and leading the family during their journey to California:
He faces difficulties in adapting to the changing economic and social landscape brought about by the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression
The novel explores the erosion of traditional male roles as Pa grapples with feelings of inadequacy due to the challenges posed by economic hardship:
Pa experiences a loss of economic stability, which challenges his identity and role as a provider for his family
He serves as a symbol of the thousands of displaced farmers who were forced to leave their land and seek a better life elsewhere
As the family faces hardships, there is a shift in traditional gender roles, with Ma Joad often taking on a more assertive role:
Pa’s authority is undermined by external forces, and his struggles reflect the broader challenges faced by men who found themselves unable to fulfil traditional breadwinner roles
Throughout the novel, Pa attempts to adapt to the changing circumstances, even as he faces internal conflicts and doubts about his ability to provide for his family
Pa’s character symbolises the decline of the agrarian way of life, as economic forces drive families away from the land they have worked for generations
The emotional toll of the journey and the challenges the family faces weighs heavily on Pa, contributing to the overall portrayal of the impact of the Great Depression on individuals and families
Other characters
Rose of Sharon (Rosasharn)
Rosasharn, short for Rose of Sharon, is the eldest daughter in the Joad family
At the beginning of the novel, Rosasharn is pregnant and married to 19 year old Connie Rivers:
They both embark on the journey to California with the rest of the family
Like the rest of the Joads, Rosasharn dreams of a better life in California, free from the hardships they faced in Oklahoma
Over the course of the novel, Rosasharn undergoes a transformation as she confronts the harsh realities of life and the challenges faced by her family:
Connie abandons Rosasharn and their marriage fails
Rosasharn goes into labour in California and her baby is stillborn
Despite her personal hardships, Rosasharn displays compassion and generosity, which is evident at the end of the novel when she breastfeeds a starving man
Rosasharn becomes a symbol of motherhood and sacrifice as she grapples with the loss of her child and strives to support her family in any way she can
The novel ends with a poignant scene of Rosasharn, now childless, finding hope in the possibility of a new beginning:
This emphasises the cyclical nature of life and the human spirit’s capacity for renewal
Ivy and Sarah (Sairy) Wilson
Ivy and Sarah Wilson are a married couple who meet the Joads on the road to California:
Their car breaks down and the Joads offer to help them
In return, the Wilsons offer the Joads their tent for Grampa, who is unwell
The Wilsons and Joads then decide to work together to reach California:
Both families share a supportive relationship, assisting each other in times of need, which emphasises the communal spirit among the migrant families
However, on the outskirts of California, the Joads are forced to leave the Wilsons behind as Sairy is gravely unwell and can no longer travel
The interactions between the Joads and the Wilsons underscore the interconnectedness of the migrant community, where families rely on one another for support and survival
The Wilsons’ story adds to the broader portrayal of the difficulties faced by migrant families during the Great Depression, emphasising the collective nature of their hardships
Al Joad
Al is mechanically skilled and serves as the main driver for the Joad family during their journey to California
Al looks up to his older brother, Tom, and the two share a bond as they face the challenges of travelling to California
He is passionate about cars and mechanics, often expressing his love for automobiles and enjoying the process of fixing and maintaining them
Al is romantically involved with Aggie Wainwright, and their relationship adds a personal dimension to the narrative
Al represents youthful energy and optimism in the face of adversity, embodying the spirit of the younger generation trying to navigate the hardships of the Great Depression
His role in the family dynamic is both supportive and representative of the changing roles and responsibilities within families as they adapt to the challenges of migration
Examiner Tip
Remember, in Task 2 you are being assessed on your ability to explore literary texts informed by different interpretations (AO5). This includes considering different interpretations of characters. For example, it may initially appear that the Joads have found their way out of poverty. They have a leaflet advertising jobs in California. However, do they know what they are getting themselves in for? Have they ignored the warning signs as they are travelling to California? An alternative perspective could suggest that their desperation to find work and a sense of belonging has blurred their judgement and prevented them from seeing the risks of moving to a new state. When one considers this perspective, have they really gained anything?
To find out more about exploring different interpretations, see our Interpretations Revision Notes.
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