John Steinbeck, one of the most influential writers of modern literature. A man with unparalleled thoughts, and unbridled emotions. But who was John Steinbeck? He was born in Salinas, California to parents John and Olivia. In sunny California he grew into a fine, well educated young man. Attending Stanford University to further his education, he dropped out before to pursue a writing career in New York. Once there, he tried to establish himself as a freelance writer. Unfortunately, he failed in his attempts. Not comfortable with his failure, but knowing he always had the support of his family Steinbeck returned to California. Back in the comfortable surroundings of home, he published many short stories and poems. These short stories and poems did not reach the popularity Steinbeck had hoped. Eventually his hard work was rewarded with the success of Tortilla Flats, a series of short stories. While writing Tortilla Flats, and after it's completion, Steinbeck took on a series of odd jobs. These jobs, ironically, were also attempted by the main characters of his literature (cited in bio.com/johnstienbeck). Now why would an author do this? John did it simply to portray an accurate sense of the task to his readers.
             John Steinbeck's other works often took on a simple and perplexed attitude towards the world. An example of this hypothesis can be found in Dubious Battle. The book deals with migrant California fruit pickers, striking because of their pay and work conditions during the "Great Depression". That term given to such a dark period in history is a prime example of an oxymoron. The "Great Depression" was far from great. Poverty was at an all time high. Families were destroyed by financial ruin, and foreclosure on everything they owned. Suicide was seen as the only solution to many problems, because no one was hiring. No one person or group in these days of desolation could argue because if you were employed, you ...