As the time approaches for Rose of Sharon to give birth, Ma and Mrs Wainwright decide to

As the time approaches for Rose of Sharon to give birth, Ma and Mrs Wainwright decide to

• A. Bring her to a doctor
• B. Keep her still and in bed
• C. Make her walk
• D. Leave her alone

Answer: (C)

Movement during labor is a practical response when medical help is limited. In this scene, Ma Joad and Mrs. Wainwright have Rose of Sharon walk to help labor progress. Walking uses gravity to help the baby descend and can intensify contractions, which is exactly what they want in a situation with scarce medical resources. It also shows their hands-on care and the sense of community in the Weedpatch camp. Bringing her to a doctor would imply available intervention, keeping her still would slow labor, and leaving her alone would ignore her needs.

Movement during labor is a practical response when medical help is limited. In this scene, Ma Joad and Mrs. Wainwright have Rose of Sharon walk to help labor progress. Walking uses gravity to help the baby descend and can intensify contractions, which is exactly what they want in a situation with scarce medical resources. It also shows their hands-on care and the sense of community in the Weedpatch camp. Bringing her to a doctor would imply available intervention, keeping her still would slow labor, and leaving her alone would ignore her needs.