The Moon is Down - Universal Themes and Human Nature

I noticed one specific main theme as I read through this novel. John Steinbeck first wrote this novel as a form of propaganda during World War II. His main purpose of writing this book was to inspire those who had been invaded by the Nazi's during the war to keep their hopes up and fight back. Even though the book never got its desired effect in Western Europe, Steinbeck's theme there was that you should never give up without a fight. I believe that this is a good theme for people to live by, as long as they do not take it too seriously. We should no pick fights with everyone we disagree with. With the author having this as a theme, we can also see that he understands human nature. It is not in human nature for people to just submit when we are taken over. We are not just mindless cows waiting to be led. We have feelings and emotions that often conflict with those who try to conquer us. Steinbeck understood this, so he wanted to incorporate it into his novel. And, might I say, he did a rather good job. We can really see how the people in the town began to realize this as the story progressed. The Mayor even said early on in the book, "My people don't like to have others think for them. Maybe they are different from your people." (Steinbeck 17). Obviously, there was already a little bit of rebellion within the people of the town. Even the soldiers noticed this inner strength that the people had. Lieutenant Tonder was talking about how he believed they would not be able to control the townsfolk for much longer, "Flies conquer the flypaper," (Steinbeck 68). Because the soldiers began to realize this, they grew fearful and paranoid. This gave the townsfolk an advantage. John Steinbeck wanted the people of the world to know that it is okay to fight if what you are fighting for is right, whether it is freedom or some other thing. He made this theme very clear in his writing and it clearly shows that he understands how humans work in such situations.

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