Naturalism as a Mirror of the 1930s

 Literature is often a reflection of the time period in which it was written or, in the case of historical fiction, of the time period it is focused on.  Authors will often find sneaky little ways to demonstrate the dominant characteristics of the time period by blending in details, that, at a closer glance, reveal these hidden themes.

     In class, we viewed several videos (in the LitByFleming blog video bar) that gave us a look at some major events and common themes or characteristics of the 1930s.  John Steinbeck certainly considered these elements when writing Of Mice and Men.  In fact, it might be said, his writing style intentionally made use of naturalism in order to capture and expose some of the attitudes and characteristics of the American 1930s.


     Let's see if you can make the connection!  Think about some of  the naturalistic elements we identified in class (Chapter 1).  What aspects or characteristics of the 1930s are being demonstrated to us at those moments in the text?  What do you believe John Steinbeck was trying to show us or expose about the way people, life, or society was during this time in American history?  

Some aspects or characteristics of the 1930s are being demonstrated to us at those moments in the text by the setting, which is on the side of the road. Also it shows poverty because a lot of people are out of jobs. They are going through the Great Depression, in between wars alos the dust bowl. John Steinbeck was trying to show use the struggles they are going through by there characterization.   Also some charters are ill-educated. Society  
had changed people by worrying about themselves to survive and look for jobs because food shortage is low. Life was also hard because during the dust bowl limit the food. 


 pictures

 A dust bowl video