Greg Szlezak English 112S October 2, 2002.
A Companion to the Grapes of Wrath describes the time period of the Dust Bowl and helps the reader understand the background of The Grapes of Wrath. The author goes into great detail about the "Okies" who were the migrants forced to leave their land because of the Dust Bowl. The author also describes what became of the migrants who were represented by the Joads.
2. Coers analyzes Steinbeck's The Moon is Down and how it affected Nazi occupied Europe. Coers writes about the reception of the novel in America, France, Holland, and Denmark. Also, dissucussed is the controversy that surfaced when the book was published. Steinbeck was looked upon by many at the time as a socialist, especially because of the manner in which Steinbeck portrayed the Nazi's in this The Moon Is Down.
3. John Steinbeck warned against materialism arising in American society and writes about themes of human dignity and compassion. Critics say that his distrust and anger at society was offset by his faith and love for the land and its people. Critics say that The Grapes of Wrath best shows Steinbeck's philosophy perception and impact.
4. "Proletarian Leanings" describes themes from Steinbeck's novels and centers around Steinbeck's interest in social injustice. Whicher describes images of oppressed laborers from In Dubious Battle (1926) and describes The Grapes of Wrath, a story where tenant farmers had to leave their land and had to suffer many atrocities after relocating.
5. In the preface to his novel, Warren French examines Steinbeck's recurring theme of morality throughtout his novels. French believes Steinbeck's reputation declined post-World .
War II because Steinbeck became a "remote and often caustic moralist.".
6. Lisca compares Ernest Hemmingway and John Steinbeck and examines themes in their novels. Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath is compared to Hemingway's For Whom The Bell Tolls.