Pride is seen as a common theme throughout Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath. Common men who migrate for a better life are very prideful and proud. No matter how bad the situation they're in is, they will hold onto that pride no matter what. Although many set themselves up for failure such as refusing to accept aid, they hold onto their pride until the end of their downfall. "--Twelve curved iron penes erected in the foundry, orgasms set by gears, raping without passion. The driver sat in his iron seat and he was proud of the straight lines he did not will, proud of the tractor he did not own or love.."(36)
This description of the modernization shows how differently old traditional farmers treated their land. They took the time to nurture it for it to grow. The new way of farming shows the mechanical side and how the land was not worth taking care of but to just do what they had to do to make a profit of the crops. This passage explicitly describes the false sense of pride the workers get from working on the land. All they do is work machines and have no sense of connection to the land. The land is being taken advantage of and only used to make a profit.
Family is another developing theme in the novel. The Joad's journey towards California is tough and they will stick together no matter what. "She seemed to know, to accept, to welcome her position, the citadel of the family, the strong place that could not be taken." (74)
This passage recognizes Ma Joad's place in the family; she is the backbone of the family. Although she has lost her home and land, she keeps her family close and continues to strive for success. The Joads stick together through thick and thin mainly because she keeps them together to make each other stronger as a family. She stays strong to keep them together and continue to look for a brighter future. Her place cannot be taken because she takes such an important role in their family and she is what makes them a family.
Analysis/explanation are a bit brief. Would like more detail in your discussion.
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