Themes of Strength and Sacrifice in The Grapes of Wrath, In Steinbeck's Novel, The Grapes of Wrath, Ma Joad and Rose of Sharon graphically depict themes of strength and sacrifice. They are universal characters, the people who make up the social fabric of every nation. Through them we understand the need for unity and feel the desperation of billions of workers who struggle every day just to survive. Throughout the story Ma is a model of the strength of the human spirit. For example, Steinbeck says of her, "if she faltered, the family would tremble, and if she faltered or despaired really deeply, the family would fall, the family's will to function would disappear." She is the foundation on which the rest of the family rests. Just as when a single drop of dye is dropped into a glass of water and disperses everywhere, its strength permeates the rest of the family, infusing them with its potency. Also, when Wilson's car breaks down and Dad suggests they only separate for a short time until the car is repaired, she threatens him with the jack handle. He knows that all they have in the world is each other and without each other to hold on to they have nothing. There is a saying "in unity comes comfort", however in this case "comfort" is replaced with survival. Furthermore, towards the end of the book, when the boxcars have flooded and it seems that all hope has been lost, Ma leads the family to higher ground. Despite the desperation he feels, he will overcome it to do what needs to be done to ensure they survive to live another day. Her strength gives her the power to rise above any…half of paper…people they exploit. They are in fact inferior to those they consider subordinate.1. Your thesis statement appears at the beginning of your paper. Thesis statements are generally found at the end of the introductory paragraph.2. Be sure to cite your quotes with the author's name and the page number on which the exact quote can be found. “Blah” (Steinbeck 13).3. You have a good concluding paragraph. You combine the strengths of the characters and apply it to today's world.4. Overall, you have a solid paper, just make sure you support your writing with quotes from the novel. You have a good quote, but a quote supporting the paragraph about Rose of Sharon would have strengthened your article.