The Moon Is Down John Steinbeck Analysis

In 1941, John Steinbeck, an established author and involved politician, met with his COI and OSS colonel, “Wild Bill” Donovan. The men were deeply concerned with the Nazi's use of propaganda, and Donovan suggested he write a work on it. When Steinbeck first published his fable The Moon is Down , he faced harsh criticism because of his portrayal of the “villains.” In this famous story, Steinbeck shows a new side- a more humane side- of the supposed invaders. Because of his career in the COI, he had access to displaced citizens from then intruded countries, allowing him to hear their stories of underground resistance parties, some headed by the intruders themselves. They captive citizens saw their intruders in a perspective that differed greatly

from how other countries looked upon them. Other countries viewed the Nazi's as brutal murderers with almost no conscience or emotions. Steinbeck's goal was to make the readers view the 1940s Nazi Germany invaders in a new perspective: as humans. He set his story in an unnamed country with unnamed soldiers in an unnamed town, mirroring the current events in Europe. Steinbeck achieved his goal by illustrating the soldiers' loneliness, care for others, and longing to return home to their own families.
Steinbeck portrayed the soldier's loneliness in the invaded town by sending Lieutenant Tonder to Molly Morden's house. He has become very lonely during the seizure of the nation, and is excited when he sees a beautiful woman living near the mine. He watches her every day, too afraid to approach her, fearing that she will hate him like the rest of the town. Steinbeck showcases Lieutenant Tonder's showcases loneliness and fear as emotions that all humans feel- even invaders. When the Lieutenant enters Molly's house, he tells her he would just like to talk. However, Molly thinks he only wants to take advantage of her like a typical soldier. Tonder is upset because he thinks she hates him, and he ultimately leaves; but not before asking her if he can return, showing his courtesy and manners. However, Molly says repeatedly, “I don't know.” When he does return, he is killed. Ultimately, his care and longing for a captive citizen leads to his death.
Tonder again showcases his care for others when he tells Molly that he ordered his men not to rape her.

Captain Lanser shows his consideration for his younger soldiers by giving them thoughtful advice and warning of what will come in their careers in the military. Captain Bentick sacrifices his life for Captain Loft, the ultimate act of care and love. Lieutenant Prackle shows love for his sisters by being overprotective of them, and Major Hunter shows care for his model train set. Steinbeck is trying to shape the soldier's individual personalities while still showing that they all have something special to them, and are not just caught up in war and killing people.
All of the soldiers long for the war to end so that they can all return home to their families. The townspeople prolong this by sabotaging the invaders and blowing up the railroads. The soldiers are afraid of the townspeople and are growing homesick. They all wait for their letters to be delivered to their families and worry if someone has died in their town or family.
In writing The Moon is Down, Steinbeck wished to change the views of invaders in European countries as to see them as humans. Steinbeck depicts the soldiers as normal human beings by having them complain about weather and wondering if their mail will arrive on time. This was a detriment to Nazis at the time because they did not want their captives to see them as “weak.” He showed that they were humans too by showing the their loneliness, care for

others, and longing to return home.