Ch.+26+Passage


 * '**Pa sniffled. " Seems like times is changed," he said sarcastically. " Time was when a man said what we'd do. Seems like women is tellin' now. Seems like it's purty near time to get out a stick." **'**
 * (352)


 * It gives further evidence of Ma's authority and power to influence decisions. It is she rather than Pa who controls the family. The men have lost the ability to face the situation; they do nothing. So Ma provokes the men into taking some action and insists on moving out of Weedpatch camp and looking for work elsewhere. She knows that it is dangerous for her to assume leadership, for it could break the spirit of the men; but she also knows that the men have to be provoked into taking any action. It is also Ma who takes action after she learns that Tom has killed a cop. As she tells Tom, "Pa's lost his place. He ain't the head anymore. There is no fambly now." She assumes leadership and decides that they must leave the ranch to protect Tom.

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