Work is scarce. Which member of the Joad group takes the lead in provoking them to move out of the Weedpatch camp?

• A. Tom
• B. Casy
• C. Ma
• D. Rose of Sharon

Answer: (C)

When a family faces scarce work, leadership often falls to the member who blends practical judgment with care for everyone. Ma Joad steps into that role here. She sees that staying in Weedpatch, comfortable though it is, won't solve the economic pressure the family is under. Recognizing the need to keep the family moving to find jobs, she takes charge, organizes the plan, and motivates the group to leave in search of work. Her steady, pragmatic stewardship—putting the family’s welfare and unity first—drives the decision to move.

Tom and Casy influence the group in other ways, but it’s Ma who initiates and directs the move, and Rose of Sharon doesn’t take on that leadership role in this moment. Weedpatch is a relatively orderly camp, yet Ma understands that survival requires continuing to press forward, not settling for temporary safety.