A family functions like a vine; its coarse green vines intertwine from the dusty earth that hides the intricate network of roots to the first cluster of sweet grapes that grow in the heat. California sunshine. Similar to the growth pattern of a vine, a family's assemblage comes together in clusters. Although some grapes may separate, fall or lose their maturity, each grape is a product of the plant that cannot be taken away from the family. is synonymous. However many miles or however many one seeks to part with one's inheritance, he cannot; because a human's blood connects to those around them. The bunches of grapes grow together and. the vine itself extends and connects to other vines. In The Grapes of Wrath written by John Steinbeck, the theme of family plays a central and fundamental role in the novel. Say No to Plagiarism Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violence”. Shouldn't video games be banned?Get the original essay At the beginning of the story, the Joad family has a traditional patriarchal family structure in which men are the dominant heads of the household; however, this centuries-old system will not last during the California Pilgrimage. This adjustment shows that a male-dominated structure is not necessarily crucial in a family setting. The Joads' truck, which plays an important role as a representation of the patriarchal structure of the family, does not seem to waver in its authority. It is very important for the family. When the whole family sits together in the truck, Uncle John, “[a]s one of the heads of the family…had to rule; and now he had to sit in the seat of honor next to the driver” (Steinbeck 96). Pa Joad and Uncle John are the natural leaders. The Joad family functions similarly to a government, with each member knowing their duty. The family functions as if it were capable of communicating without words. During peak hours, the Joads operate like a tireless, well-oiled machine. Unlike the claimed roles as head of the family, one of the most influential people in the novel is Ma Joad: she serves as the courage of the family. Steinbeck writes that Ma Joad "seemed to know that if she faltered, the family would tremble, and if she ever gave up really deeply or despaired, the family would collapse, the family will to function would disappear" (74). She desperately tries to keep the family together in difficult and unstable circumstances, with all her willpower. When times become discordant, they find it harder to work together. Mom's holding the family together replaces the idea that only men can provide emotional well-being. Dad loses his identity when he quits his stable, flexible job as a farmer and lets Ma take over. Literary critic Taylor Sharpe writes: “Ma [Joad]… is not averse to the weak men around her and she soon becomes the driving force of the family. This transition from patriarchal to matriarchal functions… brings beneficial and harmful aspects to the daily life of the Joads. Ma keeps the family together in order to survive impending events. Survival. Having a family is a necessity for survival. John Steinbeck points out that the family would not survive without each other. Despite community sentiments, a family is not simply classified as shared DNA, heritage, and blood; in fact, family is what an individual creates. The family is made up of those who appear in life and remain there whatever the circumstances. The family is loyal and steadfast. Although during the journey,.