The Changing Concept of Family in The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck Throughout the book, The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, The physical transition of the Joad family from a small, close-knit group of people living a quiet life on an Oklahoma farm, corresponds to the internal transition of the concept of family. As the Joads leave their farm and head west, they no longer live solely in their own isolated unit. Getting involved with other families as they migrate changes their focus and by the end of the book, the family members each reach out in their own way to embrace all humanity as one family. Initially, Joad focuses on his own immediate family. and their struggle to stay together. Individual family members appear to have specific roles. Mr. Joad, as was typical of the time and region, is the decision maker and head of the family. Mrs. Joad, the emotional leader of the family, is the real strength and she recognizes her position. “She seemed to know that if she influenced the family, she would tremble, and if she ever hesitated really deeply or became desperate, the family would fall apart, the will of the family to function would disappear.” (P. 80) One of the first instances where the family grows during the journey is the death of grandfather. The Wilsons, another migrant family, lend their tent for Grandpa to rest and while Mom prepares Grandpa for burial, Mrs. Wilson prepares the family dinner. Most importantly, Grandpa's death is recorded on a page in Mrs. Wilson's Bible. An even bigger event occurs when the Joads hold a family reunion and Papa calls the Wilsons to hear their thoughts. When it came time to continue the trip, the decision was made that the two families would travel together. Mom agrees... middle of paper...... but after her baby is stillborn, she recognizes the needs of a starving old man and breastfeeds him to keep him alive. This appears to be the final step in incorporating the family from a single unit into a broader concept of the entire human family. Although the immediate family becomes smaller, the Joads become part of a larger family as they unite with other migrants. families to endure the struggles and cruelties of the journey. In every way, they interact as a family. The Joad and other families protect each other, feed each other when food is limited, and care for each other by supporting each other during times of loss and death and also sharing moments of joy such as the birth of a new child. The Joad family endured several tragedies resulting in losses for their family group, but they found themselves far more numerous than when they started..