Women's roles: Critics and quotes

Question 1

Moment 1 - Myrtle’s apartment

Answer 1

Critic: “American women are characteristically frigid and materialistic” (Evola)

• “Crowded to the door the furniture entirely too large for it” - excessive
• “Small” - extensive dreams but are unattainable
• “Simon called Peter” - controversial at time of introduction and is a critique of the nouveau riche (recently gained wealth and used it to impress others

Question 2

Moment 2: Ma going against Pa

Answer 2

Critic: “As the older Joad men sink into ineffectiveness and dependency, family authority shifts to Ma Joad” (Motley)

• “Pa looked helplessly about the group” - he no longer has control over the family, family roles shifting
• “Hands being limply at his sides” - hands show hard work now it no longer works - loss of strength
• “The eyes of the family shifted back to Ma. She was the power” - matriarchy is now in the family

Question 3

Myrtle’s apartment