Analysis of Steinbecks’ ‘Grapes of Wrath’ and ‘Moon Is Down’ Essay Example

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The men responded with uncertainty, saying, "I don't know." Steinbeck employs these introspective chapters to uncover the tyrannical power held by the banks and landowners, who subject the "Okies" to inhumane treatment. In "The Moon is Down," sub-plots are not utilized by Steinbeck; instead, he uses detailed descriptions to highlight the solidarity among the townspeople in their resistance against the conquerors. This parallels the actions of Mayor Orden and his loyal citizens: "The people did not linger in the streets; they entered the buildings, and as the doors closed, there seemed to be hidden eyes behind the curtains."

In Steinbeck's work, the phrase "the people" is used to signify the civilians. This is done to draw attention to their loss of individuality and society's decline caused by them in an attempt to mentally conquer their oppressors. Notable literary pieces also feature complex language that is embedded in social and historical contexts, as well as vivid descriptions of the setting or environment. This gives the impression that every word is carefully selected for its specific purpose in the text.

The utilization of slang and colloquial language by Steinbeck in "The Grapes of Wrath" highlights the distinction between two American factions: the well-off Californians and the "Okies". This division is underscored through amusing exchanges among the "Okies", exposing their lack of sophistication even when interacting with individuals such as the used car salesman and Mae from the snack bar. When contrasting Steinbeck's celebrated work "The Moon is Down" with war literature characterized as "guts in the mud", its authentic context becomes evident.

Where bias Literature was written in Allied countries such

as the USA with the aim of maintaining a positive outlook among the innocent public. The brutal realities of war are exposed by Steinbeck through characters like Colonel Lanser. "He possessed the strong stance of a soldier, yet his eyes lacked the vacant expression typically found in ordinary soldiers." Lanser's personal experience demonstrates his understanding of war as well as his regrettable past. The repetition of "a man with certain memories" sparks curiosity in the reader about his encounters during the ruthless First World War.

The language used by the townspeople demonstrates a hierarchy reminiscent of medieval times, where the Mayor is addressed as "his highness" even in regular conversation. Both texts avoid using common words, which adds to the intricate literary techniques employed to achieve textual unity. Steinbeck further strengthens this unity by portraying the snowfall and scenery as beautiful, creating a contrast with the town's atmosphere and mood.

Both novels by Steinbeck use literary techniques such as short sentences and listing to enhance the portrayal of characters, adding realism to the stories. Sensory elements also play a role in creating this sense of reality. Furthermore, "The Grapes of Wrath" employs personification to create a dramatic atmosphere, evoke emotions, and increase the reader's understanding of the object being personified.

Steinbeck extensively uses this technique to highlight the connection between human and animalistic descriptions and to communicate his message about the harmful effect of cotton on the land. Moreover, the content and context of the texts relate to significant moral topics and events that have universal importance. Consequently, individuals from diverse backgrounds can examine and evaluate the texts, promoting a exchange

of viewpoints on political, social, and environmental themes that are crucial to the stories.

The purpose of Steinbeck's novel, "The Grapes of Wrath", was to reveal the hardships experienced by working class families during the Great Depression. He sought to bring attention to the unfair capitalist system that impacted numerous Americans, prompting them to relocate to inhospitable states like California. Migrant farm workers were exploited by large corporations who deceived them with false employment opportunities and hired those willing to work for low wages.

During this harsh time period, the Joad family sadly represents the ongoing struggle for survival faced by impoverished families. Like many before them, they see California as a beautiful haven. Steinbeck describes the family standing together, entranced by the panoramic view before them, unable to focus on any specific detail but taking in the whole dawn, land, and texture of the country simultaneously. California is depicted as a Kingdom of Heaven and a place of refuge. It is the culmination of their formidable journey along Route 66, where they experience the losses of Grampa, Granma, Connie, and Noah.

The Joad family in California holds both optimism and pessimism about their future. They are unaware of the inequality and racist labels placed upon them. The novel's ending demonstrates the Joads' insecure future. Rose of Sharon's compassionate act and false motherhood symbolize the ongoing struggle for survival.

The ending image of the novel is both powerful and shocking. It brings to light the poverty and hunger that existed in the USA, a highly developed country, which may have gone unnoticed by readers, including myself. Steinbeck's intention in creating this piece

of literature was to bring attention to the struggles faced by families who were victims of Capitalism. In contrast, "The Moon is Down," another novel by Steinbeck, presents a storyline and subject matter that is recognized worldwide. The novel depicts an unnamed invading force taking over a small and peaceful country for its natural resources, which are needed to support their campaign in World War Two.

Steinbeck's purposeful Allied propaganda portrays the invader as human, expressing fears and emotions. This serves to bring attention to the mental challenges faced by both the conquerors and the conquered during a lengthy regime, where society is lost. Steinbeck describes how "the people of the conquered country settled in a slow, silent, waiting revenge," transforming the initial confusion and bewilderment of the townspeople into a silent anger that instills fear and pain in the hearts of the invaders.

According to Steinbeck, the importance of individuals and societies is greater than any military force or government, giving his idea a timeless and lasting quality. Although this viewpoint was not widely valued at the time the novel was written, contemporary critics now acknowledge that Steinbeck's theory can be applied to present-day events with similar situations. For example, the actions and mentality of the nation being conquered by a military power in the book can be compared to conflicts in Libya and The Middle East, where the "power of the people" was unfairly undermined and disregarded.

"The Grapes of Wrath" is a renowned and timeless novel, known for its dual role as both propaganda and literary masterpiece. John Steinbeck's work showcases the Joads' migration to California, emphasizing the struggles

faced by families in a capitalist society where profit takes precedence over humanity.

The Joad family in Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" represents the optimistic outlook of many migrants during the Great Depression. However, their desire for the Californian dream is contradicted by their constant longing for the past and the abandoned "dust bowl". Some critics argue that the novel favors the migrants too heavily, but in my opinion, Steinbeck creates a "classic" piece of literature through the novel's immense complexity, unity in its aesthetics, its literary language, and its relevant subject matter[3].

"The Moon is Down" is a valuable text that portrays the power and strain of war for both sides. Steinbeck skillfully creates an understanding between Mayor Orden and Colonel Lanser, showing their acceptance of their respective duties. The complexity of Steinbeck's structure is evident in his repetition of the phrase "the people" when describing the townspeople's actions, emphasizing the shared risks they take to free themselves from the invader. This adds to the text's aesthetic unity.

Steinbeck expresses his own perspective on important topics in both texts, injecting his radical and freedom-loving voice to highlight the evil and wrongdoing in humanity. This results in the creation of philosophical literary works that are not merely propaganda. Steinbeck's distinctive and unconventional views contribute to the formation of his novels, such as "The Grapes of Wrath" and "The Moon is Down." Through his ability to establish timeless beliefs and moral victories in his fiction, Steinbeck emerges as a canonical writer in my opinion.