The Grapes of Wrath The novel The Grapes of Wrath took place during the depression in the United States. The Joad family is a family that is migrating from Oklahoma to California. They are moving because of more job oppertunities and more chances to make money. The family consits of ten members to start. Ma Joad Ma Joad is the backbone of the Joad family. When things were really bad the family turned to her and not to Pa. The family gauged their own emotions by looking at her reaction. She knew that if she faltered then the whole family would collapse. She is always concerned for the welfare of her own family, but still tries to help oth