Morality In John Steinbeck's Cannery Row

Morality itself is a widely debated topic. Some argue it is a measure of one’s purity, others consider it is a system of principles widely accepted by a group or society. Whatever someone believes, another question arises- what makes a person morally right or morally wrong? Intentions may be in the right place, however, if the event does not turn out to be as extraordinary as planned, many think the original intention does not overpower the fact that the intention did not play out. Still, others disagree, claiming that the intention is what really counts. When you are asked to think of someone who would rank high on the scale, many people imagine a smart, kind individual who goes out of their way to help others, is hardworking, is well-liked, …show more content…
Howbeit, morality is not all about what someone’s outer image is; purity is also measured by how people behave behind closed doors and when nobody is around. Many individuals put on a show of exaggerated virtue when they know people are watching and immediately switch it off when they find themselves alone. In essence, some people who seem to be abhorrent may have a well-directed moral compass that they keep hidden away. Cannery Row, a novel by John Steinbeck, is set during the Great Depression in Monterey, California, and is centered around the people who live among the sardine canneries. Main characters include Lee Chong, a grocer; Dora, the owner of a whorehouse; Doc, a marine biologist; and Mack and the boys, a group of homeless men. The main plot is Mack and the boy's multiple attempts to throw Doc a surprise party. In John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row, the recurring question of what the word morality represents challenges readers to discern where each character lies on the morality …show more content…
Today in society, it is important to judge a person for their inner moral compass and their psyche, not only their appearance and the niche they occupy. The purest people can be found in the most detestable situations and individuals who have everything they could ever want may be corrupted underneath their pristine image. Characters like Doc and Dora illustrate to readers that not everyone is who they appear to