The Moon is Down - Author's Values and Attitudes

I believe that through the events of The Moon is Down, we can safely guess at what the author's values are. The specific values that I believe John Steinbeck has are a hatred of war and an understanding that if you have the home field, you have the advantage. Seeing as though this novel was written as propaganda during World War II, Steinbeck was obviously trying to say something about war. Throughout the novel, he showed us reasons why war can be so treacherous and deceiving. He was trying to show the people of Western Europe that they can fight back and win, even though it is dangerous. The Moon is Down also showed the people of the world that the enemy is not always as horrible as you think. They are all human. They have families. I believe that Steinbeck was trying to show everyone that war is pointless. There is no good or bad side. Wars come in shades of gray, each side has its faults and its virtues. Steinbeck was able to show the world that enemies have feelings too, so they really should not be our enemies. "Please don't hate me. I'm only a lieutenant. I didn't ask to come here. You didn't ask to be my enemy. I'm only a man, not a conquering man." (Steinbeck 78).

I believe that Steinbeck also valued having courage and strength, especially when you have the home field advantage. The people of the conquered town submitted to the enemy at first. They were not being oppressed in the way that most people would expect, but they did not have their freedom. As things started getting worse for them, they realized that they had to earn their freedom back. They realized that they could not just wait for the war to be over. Unfortunately, those who did fight back were punished. Alexander was executed for fighting back (Steinbeck 55). Near the end of the novel, we learn that there have been preparations made for a mass revolt against the invadors. Some people may ask why they would do this, seeing as though all of the people who revolted were punished or killed? I understood what Steinbeck was trying to say, though. I think that Steinbeck believes in the phrase, "All or nothing." By getting the entire town to revolt, they would be able to take back their freedom. It is very inspirational.

Also, the perspective that this story is told from is third person omniscient. Steinbeck brings a large group of characters into play, but no one of them is telling the story.

Steinbeck, John. The Moon Is Down. New York: Penguin Classics, 1942. Print.