Great Depression (1929 “Black Thursday”)
II. Literature
1. Writers of the 1920s were still writing, but they didn’t produce good works.
2. The main stream is left-oriented.
III. Writers of 1930s
1. social concern and social involvement
2. revival of naturalistic tradition of Dreiser and Norris
IV. John Steinbeck
1. life
2. works
(1) Cup of Gold
(2) Tortilla Flat
(3) In Dubious Battle
(4) Of Mice and Men
(5) The Grapes of Wrath
(6) Travels with Charley
(7) Short stories: The Red Pony, The Pearl
3. point of view
(1) His best writing was produced out of outrage at the injustices of the societies, and by the admirations for the strong spirit of the poor.
(2) His theme was usually simple human virtues, such as kindness and fair treatment, which were far superior to the dehumanizing cruelty of exploiters.
4. style
(1) poetic prose
(2) regional dialect
(3) characterization: many types of characters rather than individuals
(4) dramatic factors
(5) social protect: spokesman for the poverty-stricken people
5. The Grapes of Wrath