Remembering John Steinbeck Essay

John Steinbeck, and his piece of musics served not just an instrument simply an inspiration of courage, strength and determination. He is a warrior and he fought for the right of the pack. He is one of Americas best writers and is best kn bear for his bracings. He started by experimenting with characters and thematic unity in his writings. He concentrate on materialistic values and tender exploitation. He is known for his compassion for the poor and the politically oppressed. His work reflects social issues, thus his working were subjected to criticisms.But despite all that, his plant gained popularity because of his realistic yet naked portrayal of ordinary people. In the beginning of his career in literature, his works were not recognized except even after a a couple of(prenominal) unsuccessful published works, nothing stopped him from writing. His work, Tortilla Flat in 1935 was the one which made a turning point in his literary career. It was sole(prenominal) then t hat his works were recognized and given credit. He believed that as a writer he has a account major post to the readers, and so through his works he was able to serve the people by creating social awareness. by his works, he became the part of the people, especially those who are oppressed. Despite a lot of criticisms, he proved himself applaudable and used literature as an instrument to fight for what he believed is right. Literature is as centenarian as speech. It grew by of human need for it and it has not changed except to become more needed. The skalds, the bards, the writers are not reveal and exclusive. From the beginning, their functions, their duties, their responsibilities exact been decreed by our speciesthe writer is delegated to declare and to celebrate mans proven contentedness for expectantness of heart and spirit for gallantry in defeat, for courage, compassion and love. In the endless war against helplessness and despair, these are the bright rally flags of consent and of emulation. I hold that a writer who does not stormily believe in the perfectibility of man has no dedication nor either membership in literature. (Steinbeck) John Steinbecks works created impact despite criticisms. He was able to portray in his works the life of the people, which created social consciousness.His writings are based on experiences, and is a mirror of the some(prenominal) different lives of people. This is why I believe, the reason why he gained popularity in his works. He had this connection with the readers, he was able to make for each one reader relate to the characters in his works, and made them feel that someone was brave enough to stand up and tell the world what the people are going through. He was concerned with the welfare of the people. Through his writings, he became their voice, their inspiration, their salvation.Steinbeck endures because he does not permit readers to com bureauntly dig in, like the hermit crab. He embraces the ful lness of life. With compassion, tolerance, and humility, he surveys landscapes of place, of spirit, of a nation. (Shillinglaw) According to an author review by Amber Garret John Steinbecks ability to mix realistic social conditions with characters of depth and vitality are what make his literature paramount. In distinguish to support his desire to write, Steinbeck worked in various different jobs, many of which were among the working class laborers in California.It was this unmediated experience with the working class company that gives his writing an element of authenticity and richness. He created novels and stories that did not only address the social issues of his time, but also represent Californias history. Each novel has characters that allow stick with the reader long after the have is finished, revealing his obvious unsurpassed talent as a writer. John Steinbecks writing style evolved from a period of realist naturalism as seen in The Grapes of Wrath, to more sentiment al tone portrayed through novels like East of Eden.He evokes both the easily and bad of mankind in his stories through the use of symbolism and nature. John Steinbecks writing was not just a product of the imagination, but also a reflection of his familiaritys and different life experiences. Although he is widely recognized by critics for his early years of writing, in my opinion, it is his later years that show his sterling(prenominal) achievement as a writer. His ability to transform with time and allow his writing to grow and wax into other stages and styles are what make him a true pioneer of American literature. (Garrett)Steinbeck, despite of a few unsuccessful attempts proves that all mans efforts will be paid of if only he would strive hard, work with passion and dedication and never gives up. Like what he depicted in his novel, Man, unlike any other thing organic or inorganic in the universe, grows beyond his work, walks up in the steps of his concepts, emerges ahead of his accomplishments. (From The Grapes of Wrath). Up to this day, John Steinbecks works are still wildly read and appreciated. He died in 1968 but he dedicated his life observing and reflecting the human condition through his works.He dealt with the economic problems of the rural labor. He showed his sympathy and concern to the oppressed, to the little people being empowered by the rich and in power. He immortalized strength and courage in the human spirit. His life and his writings take a breather an inspiration to a lot of people. W despisever his experiment in fiction or journalistic prose, he wrote with empathy, clarity, perspicuity In every bit of honest writing in the world, he noted in a 1938 journal entry, there is a base theme. Try to understand men, if you understand each other you will be kind to each other.Knowing a man well never leads to hate and nearly always leads to love. (qtd. Shillinglaw) Steinbecks Of Mice and Men is one of the best examples of how Steinbeck described the social condition of the people in his hometown Salinas, California. Steinbeck dedicated a part oh his life writing about the people of his place. In the novel of mice and men, he reflected the lives and problems of the working people. Most of the characters he used in this book are immigrants from Mexico and from other places in America who came to California with such hope of finding a better life. The novel was strict in Salinas Valley, where he was born.A place he dedicated a part of his life to. A place he knew so well. A place he knew all his life. The place described in the book was very similar to the place he grew up in. The novel is about two migrant workers and is set during the Great Depression in 1930s. Main characters George Milton and Lennie Small, portrayed two migrant agricultural workers on a ranch in California who both dreams of having their own ranch. But their dreams were hindered by the harsh reality of materialism and greed. This novel present how dreams of the innocent can be broken but this also proves how a friendship can mend someones broken dreams.They held on to each other with such hope that someday their dreams will be fulfilled but then some dreams are meant to remain a dream. Steinbeck was able to relay important lessons in life, through his writings. And his works were written based on his own experiences and observation on the people around him and the environment he lives in. Steinbeck received a lot of disallow criticism on his works but his works also touched the lives of many people. People prolong to read and appreciate his works up to this day. Despite all the criticisms, a lot of people believed in his writings. In an article on why read John Steinbeck written by Dr.Susan Shillinglaw, she said Steinbeck reaches out a fictional hand. Emotional bonds are forged between book and reader. Solace and laughter and allegiance are what many readers discover in Steinbecks work. In every bit of honest writing i n the world, he wrote in the late 1930s, there is a base theme. Try to understand men. And Steinbecks ghostly voice of understanding and solace endures, inspires. In his album The Ghost of Tom Joad, Bruce Springsteen pays tribute to the power of those interior landscapes characters whose lives are often desolate, besieged, unacknowledged.Ill be ever where, promises Tom Joad, Ill be in the way guys yell when theyre madOther reasons, equally compelling, insure that John Steinbecks voice will not diminish. A distinguished scholar of American literature, John Seelye, repeatedly intones Steinbeck is a great read. Stories are readily understood. Characters engage, inspire, enrage. My students love East of Eden best of all his novels Its like a soap opera, one said this spring. Cathys a kick. Good and evil face off in this book and others. They live. Recently, a class spent 50 minutes discussing whether George needed Lennie as much as Lennie needed George. aimers return to books that a re, like close friends, reliable, accessible. entertaining, and let Steinbeck never again be pilloried by the old complaint that hes a writer only for adolescent readers challenging and perplexing. The Japanese have a vigorous Steinbeck Society, over 150 strong. Why are his books so popular there? For many international readers, Steinbecks work captures the elusive American psyche bonds to land, the need for a place. Many of Steinbecks stories are archetypal restless migrants moving west to begin anew.Steinbeck endures because he does not permit readers to complacently dig in, like the hermit crab. He embraces the fullness of life. With compassion, tolerance, and humility, he surveys landscapes of place, of spirit, of a nation. Today, Steinbecks life and works is remembered and is given tribute through the National Steinbeck Center, located in Salinas California. It aims to continue to help enrich the community and the lives of the people through his works. The center is dedicate d to inspire audiences to learn about human nature, literature, history, agriculture, and the arts.Works CitedDirks, Tim the grapes of angriness http//www. filmsite. org/grap. html Garret, Amber. John Steinbeck http//eprentice. sdsu. edu/F044/agarrett/Steinbeck. html National Steinbeck Center http//www. steinbeck. org/MainFrame. html Shillinglaw, Dr. Susan. The Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies Why Read John Steinbeck? http//www. steinbeck. sjsu. edu/works/ORWhy. jsp Steinbeck, John. The Martha Heasley Cox Center for Steinbeck Studies John Steinbecks Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech http//www. steinbeck. sjsu. edu/works/NobleSpeech. jsp