Rose of Sharon's Destiny

Traces Rose of Sharon's journey from a pregnant, hopeful wife to a grieving mother who performs the novel's ultimate act of charity.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Pregnant Bride

The Expectation The Marriage Rose of Sharon is married to Connie Rivers. She is pregnant and full of dreams. She imagines a white house and a future for her baby. She is self-absorbed and proud. The Journey During the journey, Rose of Sharon is protected by the family. She complains and demands. Ma Joad tries to keep her spirits up. The pregnancy is her focus. The Vulnerability Rose of Sharon is vulnerable. She depends on Connie for support. Her world is centered on her unborn child. She is not prepared for the hardships ahead.

Abandonment and Despair

The Betrayal Connie's Departure Connie Rivers abandons Rose of Sharon during the chaos at the Hooverville. She is devastated. Her dreams collapse. She becomes withdrawn and bitter. The Fear Rose of Sharon fears for her baby. She listens to a religious woman who warns that her sins will harm the child. She is terrified. Ma Joad tries to comfort her. The Resilience Despite her despair, Rose of Sharon continues. She works in the nursery at the Weedpatch camp. She begins to find some purpose. But the loss of Connie haunts her.

The Stillbirth

The Tragedy The Labor Rose of Sharon goes into labor during the flood. The baby is stillborn. She is crushed. The family's hopes are shattered. The Grief Rose of Sharon is silent and withdrawn. She has lost her husband and her child. Her future seems empty. She is at her lowest point. The Transformation In the barn, Rose of Sharon is called to a higher purpose. She offers her breast milk to a starving man. This act redeems her suffering. She becomes a source of life.

The Final Act

The Gift The Decision Ma Joad looks at Rose of Sharon. The girl understands. She sends the others out. She lies down beside the starving man. The Nursing Rose of Sharon bares her breast and guides the man's head. She feeds him. Her smile is mysterious. The act is both physical and spiritual. The Meaning Rose of Sharon's destiny is fulfilled in this moment. She gives life from death. She becomes a symbol of hope and humanity. The novel ends with her act of grace.

early in the story

at the Hooverville

during the flood

the final scene