What Is John Steinbeck's Legacy

Throughout one’s lifetime, their character is ever changing and being molded by their experiences. John Steinbeck’s childhood was something he remembered to value and cherish even into adulthood. His adoration for literature fueled his pursuit to become a writer. Setbacks, however, caused his career to start slowly. Nevertheless, with hard work and dedication his career quickly took an opposite turn and flourished. During the Great Depression, Steinbeck was affected by what he witnessed in migrant worker camps. Due to his own family’s struggles he wanted to write about the conditions in migrant worker camps. During Steinbeck’s research with migrant worker camps, he learned a great deal about the living and working conditions there. Steinbeck would eventually use this knowledge as the foundation for many of his books, which would have an impact on readers about the harsh realities of what was happening in the world around them. As Steinbeck realized his true purpose in the world, he must always remember where he came from. Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California on February 27, 1902. His parents, Olive Hamilton and John Ernst Steinbeck, provided him with a memorable childhood.When he was four, his parents gave him his own pony which inspired his book, The Red Pony. Steinbeck’s father worked at the Sperry Flour Mill while his mother was a school teacher. In addition, he had two older sisters Esther and Beth, and one younger sister Mary. During Steinbeck's childhood the Salinas Valley was thriving and much of its geography inspired his writing later on in life. Steinbeck even wrote to a friend mentioning his appreciation of Salinas, “I think I would like to write the story of this whole valley...of all the little towns and all the farms and the ranches in the wilder hills” (Steinbeck qtd. In “John Steinbeck Biography”). Being surrounded by rolling hills and lush green scenery had a major impact on not only Steinbeck’s character but his writing. Furthermore, one can conclude that the environment of his childhood shaped Steinbeck’s character and influenced his writing in more ways than one. Unlike many individuals, Steinbeck was persuaded by written works at a young age. On Steinbeck’s ninth birthday his Aunt Mollie gave him Thomas Malory’s Le Morte d’Arthur. Since then, Steinbeck’s fascination with words fueled his pursuit to become a writer, for in the late 1950s he travelled to England and Wales to research Arthurian legends. In 1919 Steinbeck attended Stanford University in hopes to appease his parents. College, however, was not what he had imagined, so he dropped out without obtaining a degree. Soon after, Steinbeck found himself working at the Lake Tahoe fish hatchery. This incident made Steinbeck aware that writing was the only thing he wanted to pursue, for …show more content…
After parting ways with Gwyndolyn, Steinbeck met his third and final wife Elaine Scott. Elaine supported Steinbeck’s career and became a main part of his legacy. While married to Elaine, Steinbeck wrote his last book East of Eden. Considered one of his most outstanding works, East of Eden was written primarily for his two sons, “And if the book is addressed to them, it is for good reason. I want them to know how it was, I want to tell them directly, and perhaps by speaking directly to them I shall speak directly to other people” (Steinbeck qtd. in “John Steinbeck on Writing”). Many readers felt as though they could relate to the main characters in East of Eden because Steinbeck was able to create a biblical allegory by portraying the endless struggle of choosing between good and evil. Steinbeck died on December 20, 1968 in his apartment in New York. In conclusion, Steinbeck’s legacy will be remembered for he was able to create a lasting memory by communicating to the world through his …show more content…
His childhood helped develop his love for writing and inspired him to become a writer. In addition, where he grew up influenced his writings for he appreciated Salinas’ scenery. Once the Great Depression had arrived, Steinbeck broadened his skills by writing about the dismal realities happening around him. Nonetheless, Steinbeck was still able to have positive relationships in his life with not only Ed Ricketts, but his sons and third wife. In the end, Steinbeck’s written works captured his perspectives and shared with readers the harsh realities and beauty of the