Question+C

=C.) How is Rose of Sharon’s final act in the story reflective of her name? Describe how throughout the story she has learned from Ma. Does her feeding of the starving man provide a hopeful ending? Why or why not?=

= Rose's final act in the story is reflective of her name because she is seen as the Virgin Mary. At the end of the novel, Rose of Sharon "loosened one side of the blanket and bared her breast." (455) This shows a young women who has just lost her baby who is searching for that comfort and she finds it with this man in helping save his life. "Then she hoisted her tired body up and drew the comfort about her." (455) = = During The Great Depression times were extremely hard. //The Grapes of Wrath// ties in with this time period because the family had many harsh experiences that pushed them into California. The Dust Bowl destroyed their crops and farm lands and they lost their house to the bank. When they entered in to California they were hopeful for a better life. As time went on and jobs were scarce they kept moving on and found ways to survive. = = = = Like Rose of Sharon's pregnacy, the feeding of the starving man symbolizes a new beginning and hope, such as a light at the end of the tunnel. It provides a new opportunity, a fresh start at life. As the rains and flooding symbolize the Great Flood in the Bible, Rose of Sharon' pregnacy is symbolized as the Virgin Mary as seen in the Bible as well. =

= Ma Joad has influenced Rose of Sharon throughout the story which helped impact her decision in the end. Even in the most critical circumstances, Ma Joad keeps her head up with grace and dignity knowing that there will always be a rewarding ending. As the novel goes on, you start to notice how Ma Joad takes the place of the male figure in the family. = ="Ma stopped and waited. She took his hand and walked along holding it. 'It ain't hard work,' she said. 'Be good for you. An' you're helpin' us. If we all work, purty soon we'll live in a nice house. We all got to help." (373)     This quote shows how Ma has become the male figure in the family. It shows her strength and determination. = =// How to Read Literature Like a Professor // ties into // The Grapes of Wrath // in chapter 12, Is that a symbol? Foster gives many examples of symbolism and how it can be misinterperated. He says, "The other problem with symbols is that many readers expect them to be objects and images rather than events or actions. Action can also be symbolic." (105) Ma Joad and Rose of Sharon's actions throughout the novel are symbolic in many ways because their actions spoke louder then words. = = = = Do you think Steinbeck portrayed Rose of Sharon at the end of the novel in the right way. Were her actions justified? =

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