While John Steinbeck is noted as being one of the most respected modern American novelist, not all in the literary world appreciate his version of The Great Depression, as he so harshly describes how farming families are forced to leave the only life they know, due to the dust bowl that wipes out their farms and leaves them broke and homeless and their American dreams comes to an end. The events and characters are described in the most vivid detail, as he wanted to portray the struggles of the working class and the lack of support from the more fortune Americans. How was this possible in the land of the free? The Great Depression events inspired him to write, as he had sympathy, knowing the struggles of being a migrate worker himself. Through his eyes he viewed Americans as greedy and materialistic. The Grapes of Wrath is his account of the event of the 1930’s.
Some critics reviewed The Grapes of Wrath as melodrama and excessive sentimentalism. In addition to the press and politicians trying to discredit his book, by asserting he was a socialist.
John Steinbeck is also referred to as a harsh and opinionated man who is against the American government and is accused at one point of being a communist. Other critics refer to him as unread and harsh.
Steinbeck received the Pulitzer Prize for The Grapes of Wrath (1939) and despite political propaganda and critics he is still recognized as on of the most respected American novelist today.
I have read the book "Of Mice and Men" in high school and I fell in love with the story. I even rented the movie after I read the book. This blog was very informal about Steinbeck and I enjoyed reading your blogs! Well done! :)
ReplyDeleteI read this book and watched his movie in 9th grade! Great job.
ReplyDeleteJamie