The Family as a Unit

Traces the emotional bonds that hold the Joad family together, and how those bonds are tested and transformed.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Family Council

The Unity The Gathering The family meets to decide their future. They sit in a semicircle. Everyone has a voice. The family is a democratic unit. The Decisions They decide to go to California. They decide to take the preacher. The family acts together. The Strength The family is their strength. They are a unit against the world. Their bond is their survival.

The Losses

The Cracks Grampa's Death The first loss. The family buries him secretly. They are shaken but continue. Noah's Departure Noah leaves. The family is diminished. They accept it. Connie's Abandonment Connie leaves Rose of Sharon. The family closes ranks. They protect her. Tom's Farewell Tom must leave. The family is broken. But they survive.

The New Definition

The Transformation The Flood The family is scattered by the flood. They are no longer a physical unit. The Barn In the barn, the family acts as one. Ma guides Rose of Sharon. The act of charity is a family act. The Continuity The family has changed. It is no longer about blood alone. It is about shared humanity. The bonds have expanded.

early in the story

throughout the journey

near the end