The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck introduces a family rooted in male leadership. The journey of hardship they endure, however, disintegrates this patriarchal control, leaving women, Ma in particular, to take charge. While Dad stays behind, racked by guilt over his inability to provide for the family, Mom makes the decisions. It is she who takes over the life of her family and, through a passionate bond, also that of all humanity. Steinbeck illustrates how Ma Joad is the strong force within the family who realizes the true value and meaning of life. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay At the beginning of the novel, it is the men of the family who control the decision making for the Joad clan. The adult mother also looks to her son to comfort her apprehension in chapter ten. “Tom, I hope things are good in California… it seems too good, in a way. I've seen the poster guys faint, and how much they cost, and the high salaries and all that; and I saw in the newspaper that they want people to come and pick grapes, oranges and peaches. It would be a nice job, Tom, picking peaches... I'm afraid of such beautiful things. I have no faith. I'm afraid there's something not so nice about it." (90-91) As the chapter progresses, it becomes blatantly obvious that women are not seen as essential and influential in family politics. “Pa was squatting there, looking at the truck, his chin in his cupped fist. And Uncle John moved towards him and crouched down next to him. Their eyes were thoughtful. He walked out of the house and saw the two crouching together sat on the running board of the truck in front of them. That was the nucleus. Tom and Connie and Noah came in and squatted down, and the line formed a semicircle with Grandpa in the opening. And then Mom came out of the house, and Grandma with she, and Rose of Sharon behind, walking elegantly. They took their places behind the crouching men.” (100) The “crouching” men constitute the patriarchal structure of the family, denoting authority and determination, acutely solving the problems placed before them to them. Ma, Nonna and Rosa di Sharon, although present, are not included in the decision-making semicircle. This exclusion is both deliberate and traditional. The family has always been managed and controlled by men. This patriarchal family structure begins to change when Pa silently gives up his authority. The family endures turmoil and adversity, and a sense of guilt arises from within Pa. He can no longer care for his family; his love is not enough to feed his children or keep his grandfather alive. Thus, dad withdraws, gradually revoking the leading role of head of the family from his wife. The mother, even if she never speaks it, sees her husband overwhelmed and asserts her authority in the family. When the Wilsons' car breaks down, Tom and Casy decide to stay behind to fix it, but Mom won't let the family be split up. “'What do you mean you won't go? You have to go. You have to take care of the family.' Dad was stunned by the riot... Mom got into the touring car and reached out to the floor of the back seat. He pulled out a jack handle and balanced it easily in his hand. “I'm not going,” she said… Ma's mouth hardened. She said softly, 'The only way to get me to go away is to hit me... And I'll make you feel ashamed, Daddy... I swear for the love of God I will.'” (168-169) This is the first incident where Ma gets the better of Pa. With the jack handle in hand, Ma threatens Pa to keep the family together, but in.