ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
438
THE CONCEPT OF "MOTHER" IN JOHN ERNEST STEINBECK'S WORKS
Fayzullayeva Munavvar Bahodirovna
Assistant researcher,
Department of the History and Grammar of the English Language
Samarkand State Institute of Foreign Languages
Kolesnikov Aleksei Anatolevich
Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Business Foreign Languages
Belgorod State National Research University
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.14869032
Abstract.
This article explores the symbolic and social meaning of the concept of "mother"
in the works of John Ernest Steinbeck. In works such as
The Grapes of Wrath
and
East of Eden
,
images of motherhood are analyzed as symbols of family stability and human endurance. The
article highlights the social significance of motherhood in Steinbeck's work and its role in
revealing human nature.
Keywords:
John Ernest Steinbeck, concept of mother, Ma Joad, motherhood,
The Grapes
of Wrath
,
East of Eden
, social significance, symbolism, family stability, human endurance.
КОНЦЕПТ «МАТЕРИ» В ПРОИЗВЕДЕНИЯХ ДЖОНА ЭРНЕСТА СТЕЙНБЕКА
Аннотация.
В статье исследуется символическое и социальное значение концепта
«мать» в произведениях Джона Эрнеста Стейнбека. В таких произведениях, как «Гроздья
гнева» и «К востоку от рая», образы материнства анализируются как символы
стабильности семьи и человеческой выносливости. В статье подчеркивается социальная
значимость материнства в творчестве Стейнбека и его роль в раскрытии человеческой
натуры.
Ключевые слова:
Джон Эрнест Стейнбек, концепция матери, Ма Джоад,
материнство, «Гроздья гнева», «К востоку от рая», социальная значимость, символизм,
стабильность семьи, человеческая выносливость.
Introduction:
John Ernest Steinbeck, one of the greatest representatives of 20th-century
literature, employed a unique style in his works to explore the deep layers of human nature and
address social and economic issues in society.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
439
His works are dedicated to depicting the most painful periods of American society,
particularly focusing on social inequality, poverty, and family crises during the years of the Great
Depression. In Steinbeck’s works, the role of the family and the mother figure is one of the central
themes, with a particular emphasis on their societal significance.
John Ernest Steinbeck, a prominent 20th-century American writer, often explored deep
human emotions and the complexities of social and economic issues in his works. His portrayal of
characters, particularly mothers, reflects his interest in human endurance, societal structures, and
family dynamics. The concept of "mother" in Steinbeck's literature is far from just a biological
role; it symbolizes human strength, resilience, and the moral foundation of society.
In Steinbeck’s novels, "mother" is depicted not only as a nurturing figure but also as an
emblem of societal responsibility. Through the characters of Ma Joad in
The Grapes of Wrath
and
Cathy Trask in
East of Eden
, Steinbeck examines contrasting representations of motherhood.
Ma Joad is portrayed as the unifying force within the family, a symbol of endurance and
social responsibility. She holds the family together through the harshest conditions and embodies
the collective struggle for justice and survival. On the other hand, Cathy Trask represents an
unconventional, more selfish interpretation of motherhood, highlighting the darker side of human
nature and the personal conflicts that arise when motherhood is overshadowed by individual
desires.
Steinbeck’s treatment of motherhood challenges traditional perceptions. While Ma Joad
stands as a symbol of social unity and moral strength, Cathy Trask showcases a maternal figure
driven by egoism and a desire for control. These characters present distinct views on motherhood
that reflect the complexities and contradictions within human nature.
Through his nuanced portrayal of motherhood, Steinbeck touches on the universal themes
of human suffering, resilience, and the role of women in shaping societal values. The
representation of mothers in his works often serves as a reflection of broader social issues,
including poverty, inequality, and the struggle for justice. The concept of "mother" in Steinbeck’s
novels is not only a familial role but also an essential element in understanding the human
condition and the moral fabric of society.
Ultimately, the concept of "mother" in Steinbeck’s works is a powerful symbol that goes
beyond the traditional maternal role. It speaks to the social and psychological dimensions of human
relationships and the strength that lies within individuals to navigate the complexities of life.
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
440
Whether as a figure of hope, endurance, or selfishness, Steinbeck's mothers are pivotal in
driving the narrative and addressing the larger themes of survival, family, and social responsibility.
The concept of "mother" in Steinbeck's works is not only depicted in a biological or
traditional sense but also as a symbol of humanity’s social and spiritual foundation. Particularly
through the characters of Ma Joad in
The Grapes of Wrath
and Cathy Trask in
East of Eden
, the
author reflects various perspectives on motherhood. Ma Joad represents the unifying force of the
family and an embodiment of endurance, while Cathy Trask is depicted as an unconventional
mother who prioritizes her own interests. Through these approaches, Steinbeck discusses the
societal stereotypes surrounding motherhood and reveals the complex aspects of humanity. This
article is dedicated to studying the symbolic meaning of the concept of "mother" and its unique
representation in Steinbeck's works. It analyzes the social and spiritual significance of motherhood,
as well as its broad representation in his works. This research helps deepen the understanding of
human values reflected in the writer's works.
Literature Review and Methodology: The concept of "mother" holds significant importance
in John Ernest Steinbeck's works, and many scholarly investigations have been carried out on this
theme. In
The Grapes of Wrath
, Ma Joad’s character is portrayed as the unifying force of the
family. Studies show that Ma Joad is not just a mother fulfilling her duties but also the emotional
and spiritual anchor of the family members. Benson (1984) describes this character as a symbol of
human solidarity.
In
East of Eden
, Cathy Trask’s character presents a contrasting approach to the concept of
motherhood. Scholars (Lisca, 1978; Shillinglaw, 2014) emphasize that through Cathy’s character,
Steinbeck provides a critical perspective on traditional stereotypes about motherhood and
womanhood. This character is used to portray the crisis arising from a person’s prioritization of
self-interest.
Much of the literature focuses on Steinbeck's depiction of motherhood as a symbol of social
responsibility and psychological endurance. Shillinglaw (2014) notes that the author sought to
highlight social issues through the portrayal of his characters. These studies reveal that Steinbeck’s
works view motherhood not only as a family concept but also as having social and symbolic
significance.
Methodology:
Thematic analysis: The theme of motherhood was deeply analyzed in
The
Grapes of Wrath
and
East of Eden
. In each work, the symbolic and social aspects of motherhood
were identified (Steinbeck, 1952) [5].
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
441
Comparative approach: The characters of Ma Joad and Cathy Trask were compared,
analyzing the positive and negative aspects of motherhood, as well as the influence of societal
stereotypes (Benson, 1984) [1].
Contextual analysis:
The social issues and period-specific interpretations of motherhood
in Steinbeck’s works were explored. The writer’s ideas and perspectives were examined based on
the American social environment during the time the works were written (Lisca, 1978).
Through these methodological approaches, the complexity and multifaceted meaning of
the concept of motherhood in Steinbeck’s works were revealed. This not only shows motherhood
in biological terms but also as a social and spiritual phenomenon.
Results and Discussion:
Symbol of social stability: In
The Grapes of Wrath
, Ma Joad’s
character exemplifies the role of motherhood in fulfilling social responsibility. She plays a crucial
role in helping the family endure economic hardships and social pressures. Benson (1984)
considers Ma Joad a "bright symbol of human solidarity and social justice." This character, through
her emotional resilience, becomes a symbol of hope for other families.
Complex aspects of motherhood: In
East of Eden
, through the character of Cathy Trask,
the negative aspects of motherhood are depicted. Cathy is portrayed not only as harmful to her
children but also to society. Lisca (1978) argues that this character is used to explore human flaws
and aspects of motherhood that deviate from traditional stereotypes. Through Cathy, Steinbeck
critically addresses the notion of motherhood as an inherently positive concept [2].
Psychological endurance and leadership: Ma Joad’s heroism manifests in her leadership
within her family and society. Shillinglaw (2014) views this character as an expression of the
human ability to find strength even in the most difficult circumstances.
Motherhood and human rights protection: Steinbeck’s works present motherhood in a
broad context, not limited to the family but intricately tied to social issues. In Ma Joad’s character,
for example, she plays a pivotal role in advocating for social justice, organizing collective action,
and supporting the oppressed (Steinbeck, 1939) [4].
Social and historical context of motherhood: Steinbeck’s works, written during the
economic depression in America, view the concept of motherhood not only as a family institution
but also as a social and historical phenomenon. The research findings show that the writer
interprets motherhood as a central element in social change (Benson, 1984).
Stereotypical and unconventional interpretations of motherhood: In
The Grapes of Wrath
,
Ma Joad represents the stereotypical positive aspects of motherhood, while in
East of Eden
, Cathy
ISSN:
2181-3906
2025
International scientific journal
«MODERN SCIENCE АND RESEARCH»
VOLUME 4 / ISSUE 2 / UIF:8.2 / MODERNSCIENCE.UZ
442
Trask represents an unconventional and negative view of motherhood. Despite being contrasting
characters, they highlight Steinbeck’s intention to depict motherhood as a complex and
multifaceted phenomenon (Lisca, 1978).
Social significance of motherhood: Through Ma Joad’s character, Steinbeck portrays
women as the moral foundation of society. As Shillinglaw (2014) emphasizes, Steinbeck's works
remind readers of the responsibility of individuals toward others.
Conclusion:
In John Ernest Steinbeck's works, the concept of "mother" is portrayed in a
multifaceted and complex manner. He explores motherhood not only from a biological but also
from a social, psychological, and philosophical perspective. The mothers in Steinbeck’s
The
Grapes of Wrath
and
East of Eden
play various social and moral roles, being essential in
maintaining the moral foundation and stability of society. Ma Joad’s character supports social
solidarity and stability, while Cathy Trask’s character reveals the negative aspects of motherhood,
such as egoism and the prioritization of personal gain. Steinbeck examines motherhood in a social
context, highlighting its role in understanding responsibility in humanity and society. His works
present a deep social and philosophical analysis of the various roles women play in society. This
analysis reflects Steinbeck’s complex and multifaceted approach to the concept of "mother." The
writer demonstrates his interest in exploring both the positive and negative aspects of motherhood,
creating new interpretations of the concept in his literary legacy.
REFERENCES
1.
Benson, J. J. (1984). The True Adventures of John Steinbeck. New York: Viking Penguin.
2.
Lisca, P. (1978). The Wide World of John Steinbeck. New Brunswick: Rutgers University
Press.
3.
Shillinglaw, S. (2014). On Reading The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Penguin Books.
4.
Steinbeck, J. (1939). The Grapes of Wrath. New York: Viking Press.
5.
Steinbeck, J. (1952). East of Eden. New York: Viking Press.
6.
M.B.Fayzullayeva, Лингвистический и лингвокогнитивный анализ образа матери в
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?oi=bibs&cluster=81739499175643602&btnI=1&hl=ru
