John Steinbeck example essay topic

John Steinbeck became one of the most popular, influential American authors. He had the ability to depict physical, social, and psychological environments in his writings. Throughout his sixty-six years of life, Steinbeck wrote nearly thirteen novels. He did not come from a wealthy family but rather one of comfortable means. Steinbeck did not let this stand in his way, though. Through great determination he became what many consider a great American author.

On February 27, 1902, John Ernst Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California. His father worked as the treasurer of Monterey County and his mother as a schoolteacher. In his early years, Steinbeck attended the local high school. Between 1920 and 1926 he studied marine biology at Stanford University, but he never received a degree. "During these years several of his poems and short stories appeared in university publications (web)".

It wouldn't be until 1935 that Steinbeck would begin to gain recognition as a great writer. John Steinbeck used aspects of life around him in the novels he published. While attending Stanford University he worked at many little jobs that involved physical labor, such as a rancher and cotton picker. "He found these occupations congenial because they brought him into intimate association with the great company of workers among whom he chose his friends long before he used them as models for characters in stories (Unger 51)". To Steinbeck, lessons could be learned in all areas of life and he showed this through the telling of stories. His first famous novel, Tortilla Flat, published in 1935, set the stage for his ever-so-popular literary works.

One of his well-known novels Of Mice and Men, was published in 1937. This is a story about two ranch hands that have dreams of one day owning a farm of their own. Lennie Small is mentally ill and must be cared for by his friend, George Milton. Having no idea of how immense his strength is, Lennie always seemed to find trouble. George continually tried to protect him, but one day Lennie accidentally murdered their boss's daughter-in-law. To escape being captured, George had to shoot Lennie.

John Steinbeck used this novel to show his realistic view of the treatment of the mentally ill. Just four years later in 1939, one of his most successful works appeared on the scene. The Grapes of Wrath, which follows the lives of a family of tenant farmers during the Great Depression, drew much recognition. "It presented itself as an admirably modeled work of art having impressive size, and just proportion, movement, balance, symmetry, and power (54)". Steinbeck got enjoyment out of writing but success was not all he wanted. He loved inspiring people to look at life in different ways.

In 1943 after his success with Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath, John Steinbeck moved to New York City. This is where he spent the rest of his life. Unhappily, in 1942 his twelve-year marriage to Carol Henning ended. Eventually, he met Gwendolyn Conger and they had two sons, Thom and John.

He did not give up his passion and gift of writing, though. Steinbeck published many more short stories, including "The Pearl" and "A Russian Journal". His life started to go downhill when he and his second wife separated. Steinbeck began drinking heavily, but in 1950 he married Elaine Scott.

It was during the course of this relationship that his son John, age 7, was put in the hospital for codeine addiction. Steinbeck did not live the picture perfect life. He had his ups and downs but for the most part he experienced great success. Unfortunately in 1968, John Steinbeck passed away at the age of sixty-six. Just six years previous he received the Nobel Prize for literature, which he rightfully deserved. His years of hard work and inspiration paid off.

"Steinbeck said that one commandment of life is "to be and survive". His work may be said to fulfill that commandment (71)". John Steinbeck, when alive, inspired many people and even in death, still continues to do so. French, Warren G. "Steinbeck, John". Encyclopedia Americana. 1986 ed.

Luikkonen, Petri. "John Steinbeck". Amazon Books. 20 Sept. 2003...

Unger, Leonard, ed. American Writers a Collection of Literary Biographies. Canada: Collier Macmillan, 1972.