Broken Stereotypes in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath :: Stereotypes Stereotyping

Broken Stereotypes in The Grapes of Wrath Masculinity and femininity are not restricted to 2 separate and distinct groups. In reality, they are divergent within themselves, and similar to each other. It is a well-known stereotype that custody are tough and strong with no emotions, speckle women are half-hearted and need to be body forthed. The lineaments in John Steinbecks The Grapes of Wrath are cases of the typical masculine and feminine groups. However, the book also contains models of those who do not scenery the stereotypes. In general, the book contains two types of portrayals of both men and women. Pa is an example of the more common must-support-the-family man. On the contrary, Casy, another male character, is a soft-spoken, attentive man. Though they are mother and daughter, Ma and Rose of Sharon are two examples of very different femininity. Ma is a hardworking, family focused woman while Rose of Sharon is a young nave character who needs to be taken care of. In The Grapes of Wrath, Pa is the main male character and plays a leadership role of the family. After Grampas death, it is clearly stated that Pa is the family leader. Pa was the head of the family now (151). Steinbeck purposefully puts Grampa, then Pa in the position of head of the family because the eldest male is most commonly the leader. This is a typical example of a patriarchy. Pa carries this role until they reach atomic number 20 and begin looking for work. Pa is ashamed that he cannot work to support his family and fulfill his position as leader. Pa demanded, Well what the hell am I gonna do? Were outa money. One of my boys got a short job, but that wont feed us. Im a-gonna go an take twenty cents. I got to (374). It frustrates Pa that he is helpless when it comes to work. Although he is more than willing to work hard for money, Pa is unable to follow a job to feed his family. Ma takes on two roles in the course of the book. Pa begins despairing b ecause of his lack of work, so Ma takes everyplace his role as leader. This shows the masculinity in Mas character coming out.