Before I get to the actual questions for this novel, I want to talk about Mayor Orden. He was one of my favorite characters in this book because of his personality. He is just so amazing. Throughout the book, Colonel Lanser would tell him that he needed to restrain or control his people. In response, the Mayor always responded with something along the lines of, "I can't." For example, in the end, when he was told that the rebellions needed to stop, he just smiled and said "They cannot stop, sir." (Steinbeck 109). He went on to say, "When I have become a hindrance to the people, they will do without me." (Steinbeck 109). He is basically saying here that the people do not need him anymore, nor have they ever truly needed him. He understands that his people can live and fight for their freedom without the guidance of their mayor. I really admire the trust that he has in them.
Mayor Orden has got to be one of the most memorable characters in all of John Steinbeck's novels. In the first chapter, we saw him as a very simpleminded, childish character and he did not leave much of an impact on us. As the chapters progressed, we got to see more of him, and he became such a likeable character. I also admire his caring nature towards people. After he realized that Alexander was going to be convicted, he sent people to comfort and keep the company of Alexander's wife, Molly. Also, during the actual trial, the Mayor was kind to Alex by letting him sit and, when the time came for him to die, he kissed him on the cheek and said goodbye (Steinbeck 55). We could tell from his actions in the novel that he was genuinely upset when Alexander was killed.
Overall, to me, Mayor Orden is the most likeable and caring person in this novel. He had fantastic dialogue and he truly cared about the people of his small town. He is my favorite character in this book.
Steinbeck, John. The Moon Is Down. New York: Penguin Classics, 1942. Print.
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