Naturalism Blog

     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 that are being demonstrated to us at those moments in the text is that the 1930s had much to do with nature. It is usually shown to be very descriptive, and easy to visualize, like, "On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees--willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter's flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool." (1). Some of the elements that are included are grass, trees, animals, and mountains. It has a feeling of being wild, free, and unrestrained. 

     I believe that John Steinbeck was trying to show us or expose about the way people, life, or society was during this time in American history in many ways. He showed that the people were ill-educated and lower-class, and that their lives were governed by heredity, instinct and passion. They had to really work hard to get a job and probably get minimum wage. It was even hard to get a job.  Life was depressing and extreme; it was urban and rural. Society must have been out of control; people really struggled to survive and had to thrive to get what they needed, whether it was food, water, clothes, etc. I'd say the name of this time period is pretty self-explanatory. It was the Great Depression. The name says it all.

http://history1900s.about.com/od/1930s/p/greatdepression.htm