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February 23, 2009
Rose of Sharon
My portion of a close reading exercise involving Jennifer Prex and Georgia Speer:
Steinbeck’s aforementioned use of symbolism and ambiguous dialogue with the character of Rose of Sharon leaves much for readers to question. Her introduction in chapter ten provides the ground work for potentially a very poignant character. The very fact that she is pregnant offers many possibilities as to what she represents, not necessarily to readers, but more directly to the other characters within the book. Steinbeck frequently makes reference to the lack of, or at least waning of faith within his characters amidst the turmoil of their financial and familial situations. With a character like Rose, Steinbeck is able to further portray the uncertainty of the future. To the Joad Family, Rose represents the probability of renewed faith in the future. The ambiguity however remains, for the birth of Rose’s child is still many months away and the family’s exodus to California must first be realized, along with the dealings of any unforeseeable circumstances that may befall them in the interim. Steinbeck’s development of Rose is not limited to mere third person description but overflows into her cryptic dialogue and carefully included mention of her behavior in relation to other characters. All indications are that Rose represents something very important, delicate and necessary to the other characters, yet the unknowns involved in her situation, dialogue and behavior is a vital tool Steinbeck establishes for later chapters.
Posted by QuinnKerno at February 23, 2009 5:14 PM