70 likes | 73 Views
Explore the life and works of John Steinbeck, the American author renowned for novels like "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men." From his early struggles to his Nobel Prize win, discover the themes and settings that shaped his powerful storytelling.
E N D
John Steinbeck (1902-1968) “The Grapes of Wrath” “Of Mice and Men”
Early Life • Born in Salinas, California • Father, Ernest, tried several jobs to care for his family • Owned a feed and grain store • Managed a flour plant • Treasurer of Monterrey County • Mother, Olive Hamilton, was a school teacher • Three sisters • Decided at 14 to become a writer • At 19, enrolled at Stanford University • Was enrolled on/off for six years, before finally dropping out in 1925
Moved to New York City • Construction worker • Newspaper reporter • Moved back to California • Caretaker in Lake Tahoe • Published first novel, “Cup of Gold” (1929) • Met and married first wife, Carol
Major Works • “Tortilla Flat” (1935) • “In Dubious Battle” (1936) • “Of Mice and Men” (1937) • “The Long Valley” (1938) • “The Grapes of Wrath” (1939) • “Cannery Row” (1945) • “East of Eden” (1952)
Last Years • Was a war correspondent for The New York Herald Tribune during WWII • Won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962 for “The Grapes of Wrath” • Died of heart disease on December 20, 1968
“The Grapes of Wrath” • Setting • The Great Depression • The Dust Bowl • Between Oklahoma and California • Themes • The effects of the Great Depression • Man’s Inhumanity toward Man • The Power of Family
“Of Mice and Men” • “Of Mice and Men”has been a frequent target of censors for vulgarity and what some consider offensive and racist language • Setting • The Great Depression • California • Themes • Dreams • Loneliness and the need for companionship • Evil of oppression and abuse