Throughout history storytellers have taken events from their own lives to make stories to teach about the world. John Ernst Steinbeck is one of many examples of this. Steinbeck is an American novelist who used his own life experiences to inspire, and create his works. Steinbeck through these works has taught about human nature, the natural world, and shone light on social issues. Three of his works exemplify these: “Of Mice and Men”, “East of Eden”, and “Grapes of Wrath”.
John Steinbeck was born in 1902 in Salinas, California. He was the only male of four children to the Steinbeck family. During his childhood his parents helped to instill a sense of achieving one’s goals and an importance of physical labor. His father helped instill this sense …show more content…
Some of his themes are violence, biblical allegory, a return to nature, and the grim reality of independence. One of these works that show these is “Grapes of Wrath” which is regarded as his masterpiece. This novel follows the Joad family from Oklahoma to California to find work. Once they reach their “Promised Land” it does not bear the fruits they believed it would and must face the unforgiving nature of life. Common readers saw it as a masterpiece and classic of literature. However many critics met it with disdain. Much critique saw it as a work of propaganda. A critic for the LA Times has said “The main reason people think it is a great novel is because Ford made it into a great film.” A recurrence in Steinbeck’s career was the polarity of his work between critics and non-critics alike. Around the time “Grapes of Wrath” was published Steinbeck published “Of Mice and Men”. “Of Mice and Men” takes place in California following two men who wish someday to own their own land, but currently seek work at a ranch. Steinbeck’s inspiration was largely his work with his father and the understandings of many migrant laborers. A second inspiration is the biblical story of the Garden of Eden. The characters Lennie and George both seek a bucolic life but through their own depraved acts make this bucolic life impossible. Themes throughout the novel include a highly romanticized view of male friendship and the cruel nature of mankind in connection with people. All characters within the story only dream of their goals but create obstacles that take away the possibility of their dreams. Criticism by many readers saw it as a great example of the difficulties of the time, along with the brutality of life. However others saw it as a novel with many bland characters surrounded by a generic biblical allegory. Mark Van Doren reviewed this novel, writing, “All is extreme here, and everyone is a doll”. Steinbeck’s most
John Steinbeck was born in 1902 in Salinas, California. He was the only male of four children to the Steinbeck family. During his childhood his parents helped to instill a sense of achieving one’s goals and an importance of physical labor. His father helped instill this sense …show more content…
Some of his themes are violence, biblical allegory, a return to nature, and the grim reality of independence. One of these works that show these is “Grapes of Wrath” which is regarded as his masterpiece. This novel follows the Joad family from Oklahoma to California to find work. Once they reach their “Promised Land” it does not bear the fruits they believed it would and must face the unforgiving nature of life. Common readers saw it as a masterpiece and classic of literature. However many critics met it with disdain. Much critique saw it as a work of propaganda. A critic for the LA Times has said “The main reason people think it is a great novel is because Ford made it into a great film.” A recurrence in Steinbeck’s career was the polarity of his work between critics and non-critics alike. Around the time “Grapes of Wrath” was published Steinbeck published “Of Mice and Men”. “Of Mice and Men” takes place in California following two men who wish someday to own their own land, but currently seek work at a ranch. Steinbeck’s inspiration was largely his work with his father and the understandings of many migrant laborers. A second inspiration is the biblical story of the Garden of Eden. The characters Lennie and George both seek a bucolic life but through their own depraved acts make this bucolic life impossible. Themes throughout the novel include a highly romanticized view of male friendship and the cruel nature of mankind in connection with people. All characters within the story only dream of their goals but create obstacles that take away the possibility of their dreams. Criticism by many readers saw it as a great example of the difficulties of the time, along with the brutality of life. However others saw it as a novel with many bland characters surrounded by a generic biblical allegory. Mark Van Doren reviewed this novel, writing, “All is extreme here, and everyone is a doll”. Steinbeck’s most