When I decided to write my masters about John Steinbeck, I only knew some of his works. I had read "Tortilla Flat" - which is still one of my favourite books, of course I knew "East of Eden " and "Of Mice and Men" and "The Pearl".
Then I started to read his not so well known novels and I wondered about his contradictory writing style and choice of topics. " He is a crank, a storyteller, a critic, an anti - critic, an "American", an internationalist, a sage, a prophet." Reloy Garcia, professor of English Creighton University, states.2
In this study I will try to pursue and comment on the different aspects of Steinbeck′s works. Although I read nearly all his books, I chose Cup of Gold, Pastures of Heaven, To a God Unknown, Tortilla Flat and In Dubious Battle to concentrate on. Each of them seems to me representative for a certain genre and they do not belong to his best-known ones - except Tortilla Flat.
Steinbeck did not like book critics, which is hardly surprising, because each book published in his lifetime was attacked by prestigious reviewers, but even the books considered the weakest received plaudits from important reviewers. There was never a consensus on a Steinbeck text.3
I do not want to judge Steinbeck′s different works. I want to deal with his background and I will try to understand his intentions.
[...]
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- I. Steinbeck on writing
- I.1. Steinbeck's rudimentary suggestions for the beginner
- I.2. The Art and Craft of Writing
- I.3. Steinbeck's 1962 Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech
- II. Life and works
- II.1. Origin
- II.2. Family
- II.3. Graduation
- II.4. Taking a risk
- II.4.1. “Cup of Gold”, A Life of Henry Morgan, Buccaneer, 1929
- II.4.1.1. The plot
- II.4.1.2. Interpretation
- II.4.1.3. Critics
- II.5. The marriage
- II.5.1. The Pastures of Heaven, 1932
- II.5.1.1 The plot
- II.5.1.2. Interpretation
- II.5.1.3. Critics
- II.5.2. “To a God Unknown”, 1933
- II.5.2.1. The plot
- II.5.2.2. Interpretation
- II.6. Success
- II.6.1. “Tortilla Flat”- “the funny ones”
- II.6.1.1 The plot
- II.6.1.2. Interpretation
- II.6.1.3. Critics
- II.7. Steinbeck and the Working Men
- II.7.1 “In Dubious Battle, 1936
- II.7.1.1. The plot
- II.7.1.2. Interpretation
- II.7.1.3. Critics
- II.7.2. “..and make it angrily”
- II.7.2.1 “The Harvest Gypsies”
- II.7.2.2. “I'm mad about that”
- II.7.2.3. “..a dirty, lying, filthy manuscript”
- II.7.8 The later years
- III. Conclusion
- III.1. Symbolism
- III.2. Non teleological thinking
- III.3. The Common Man
- III.4. Determinism
- III.4. Political Statement
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This study aims to explore and analyze the multifaceted aspects of John Steinbeck's literary works. It delves into his background, writing style, and thematic choices, shedding light on his motivations and intentions as an author. By examining specific novels and short stories, the study seeks to understand how Steinbeck's works reflect his evolving perspective and artistic vision.
- The impact of Steinbeck's personal experiences on his literary output.
- Steinbeck's evolving writing style and the diverse genres he explored.
- The recurring themes of social injustice, human resilience, and the search for meaning in Steinbeck's works.
- Steinbeck's portrayal of the working class and his engagement with political and social issues.
- The critical reception of Steinbeck's works and the contrasting interpretations of his literary contributions.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The first chapter of the study examines Steinbeck's views on writing, highlighting his rudimentary suggestions for aspiring authors. It analyzes his emphasis on the accumulation of detail, allowing the form to emerge organically, and his belief in the importance of capturing the essence of experience. The chapter further explores Steinbeck's candid discussions about the creative process, his advice to other writers, and his commitment to crafting stories that entertain and teach.
Chapter two delves into Steinbeck's personal life and its influence on his work. It traces his origins, family background, and educational experiences, exploring how these factors shaped his perspective and artistic sensibilities. The chapter also examines Steinbeck's early novels, such as "Cup of Gold," "Pastures of Heaven," and "To a God Unknown," analyzing their themes, stylistic innovations, and reception by critics. The study explores the evolution of Steinbeck's writing as he moved from historical fiction to exploring themes of social justice and the plight of the working class.
Chapter three focuses on Steinbeck's engagement with social and political issues, specifically his portrayal of the struggles faced by workers and the injustices they endure. The chapter examines "In Dubious Battle," a novel that vividly depicts the clash between workers and employers during the Great Depression. It analyzes the novel's themes of class conflict, labor movements, and the complexities of social change. The chapter further explores Steinbeck's involvement in social activism, his writing about the plight of migrant workers, and his persistent advocacy for those marginalized by society.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key terms and concepts of this study include John Steinbeck, American literature, social realism, working class, social injustice, class conflict, literary themes, writing style, critical reception, and the impact of personal experiences on artistic expression. The study explores Steinbeck's literary legacy and his enduring contribution to understanding the complexities of human nature and social issues.
- Quote paper
- Dagmar Schulz (Author), 2000, John Steinbeck - In Dubious Reputation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/7422
