In John Steinbeck’s The Winter of Our Discontent, the themes of mythology and family values intertwine to portray new found hope in individualism. Ethan, the father in the novel, finds his life not worth living; however, his daughter Ellen objects with that, for she needs guidance to make it through a changing generation. Ultimately Ethan discovers his purpose in life through is daughter’s selfless act. After finding an importance in life, he musters up perseverance and the need for individual change to take care of his family. Through use of the talisman, Steinbeck depicts the discovering of new life and hope through an object. When readers very first learn of the stone, a description surrounds it, allowing a very clear picture of what a
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It is a bundle of contradictions—like himself and the world. Its representation depicts how the world is always progressing, connecting it to the past, present, and future. However, Ethan finds comfort in it through justification of life’s meaning. During Ethan’s downward spiral, he decides to take his own life, seeing no importance in it due to Allen’s character. When Ethan is about to go to his hiding spot and slit his wrists, Ellen appears and won’t let him go. However, Ethan escapes and upon reaching into his pocket to find the razors, he discovers the talisman instead. Ellen knew the true meaning behind the talisman: protection. In the end, Ellen didn’t have to go after Ethan to better things—the talisman changes him. Ethan ultimately embodies some of the mysteries that the stone has, yet the change of mind he receives gives him hope for a better …show more content…
Steinbeck questions the foundations of America during this time by presenting the ideology that individuals make a larger impact in society then whole groups do. After all, generally one person has the idea to start a movement or is the leader of a movement, before a group takes over. However, he also expresses the importance of individualism—especially concerning women—during this time. No longer is society based on the patriarchal system, but rather, individualism is key precedence. The continuity of family values lies within individual change and upholding the virtues retained in their upbringing. Ellen upholds the ideology of her father, portraying the shift in American society towards individualism for both men and
It is a bundle of contradictions—like himself and the world. Its representation depicts how the world is always progressing, connecting it to the past, present, and future. However, Ethan finds comfort in it through justification of life’s meaning. During Ethan’s downward spiral, he decides to take his own life, seeing no importance in it due to Allen’s character. When Ethan is about to go to his hiding spot and slit his wrists, Ellen appears and won’t let him go. However, Ethan escapes and upon reaching into his pocket to find the razors, he discovers the talisman instead. Ellen knew the true meaning behind the talisman: protection. In the end, Ellen didn’t have to go after Ethan to better things—the talisman changes him. Ethan ultimately embodies some of the mysteries that the stone has, yet the change of mind he receives gives him hope for a better …show more content…
Steinbeck questions the foundations of America during this time by presenting the ideology that individuals make a larger impact in society then whole groups do. After all, generally one person has the idea to start a movement or is the leader of a movement, before a group takes over. However, he also expresses the importance of individualism—especially concerning women—during this time. No longer is society based on the patriarchal system, but rather, individualism is key precedence. The continuity of family values lies within individual change and upholding the virtues retained in their upbringing. Ellen upholds the ideology of her father, portraying the shift in American society towards individualism for both men and