English Literature

Although not as controversial as The Grapes of Wrath or as popular as Of Mice and Men, Nobel Prize awardee John Steinbecks The Moon is Down is a novel that goes beyond time. Its message lived on even after the invasion of Nazi has ended.

The book became an inspiration to political activists and has influenced even those who are socially passive as it illustrates the emotions evoked during an invasion.

This book roused a lot of reactions during the war because according to its critics, Steinbecks attempt to show the invading army as caring individuals who value human life just as much as the citizens of the town they have invaded, offends and demoralizes war victims. They even said that the way he narrates his story somehow sends a message that he wanted his readers to sympathize with the enemy. Steinbeck took offence, saying that he merely presented the invaders as ordinary men, who are fallible and defeatable.

Nevertheless, despite the experimental approach in writing he has used in his writing, the influence of this book remained centuries after because it showed gallantry even in the worst moments.

The End Justifies the Means
Steinbeck was very effective in showing what happened during the invasion not only from the point of view of the oppressed but also from that of the oppressor.

Orden, the towns mayor, represents the oppressed while Colonel Lanser, head of the invading army, represents the oppressor. This book differs from the usual stories about tyrants because it shows the villains personal struggle in doing what he was supposed to do.

Colonel Lanser was pictured as a patriot who may not believe in what he is doing but does it anyway for the good of his own country  even at the expense of the local town they have invaded.

He was portrayed as a soldier who has witnessed the atrocities of war but while he is not happy about it, he also believes that some things have to be done for the greater good. He can be compared to Machiavelli who believes that the end justifies the means.

This is further exemplified in his conversation with Orden, were he said that it is necessary to make Alexander Mordens execution done in public because doing so will stop other villagers from doing the same.

Turning Point
The execution of Alexander Morden marked the turning point of the story. Steinbeck was very vivid in describing how the peaceful citizens of the town transformed into angry and infuriated people waiting for revenge.

The part where the supposedly tough soldiers avoid walking alone or even eating in a restaurant for fear that the local village men will harm them is particularly pitiful.

The good thing about the book is that it does not lead readers to patronize the town people then hate the invaders right away. All characters, whether from the good or evil side, were given adequate characterization that readers can identify with them.

In fact, in this novel, you would sense that Steinbeck is trying to humanize the villains. Some characters where even portrayed as compassionate people who just have to do their responsibility.
But rather than making the story unrealistic, it only made the book more credible as these actions one of soldiers mantra which is act first before you ask. Had it been that a Nazi soldier who misses his family got a hold of this in his weakest moment, he too may have identified from it.

A Story of Courage from the Colonized
I personally like the part where Mayor Orden told his wife that even in death, freedom and democracy cannot be taken away by any army. Though this is somewhat a clich for most war stories, I find the series of events that showed how the peoples revolutionary spirit and patriotism was awakened, touching.

It shows how a peaceful town with non-violent people turned into enraged individuals ready to fight against a tough military if only to fight for their freedom. Their conviction that loosing freedom is tantamount to death is so inspiring.

It was so moving that a schools clown may identify from it and be inspired to stand up against his bully.

The part where the soldiers transformed from arrogant and overly confident people to depressed individuals who have gone weary of the war is also morally uplifting, especially since this happened when the local folks started to gain confidence on their ability to organize an effective resistance campaign.

This could certainly fire up courage among the oppressed.

Conclusion
The Moon is Down is a book intended to show the two sides of war that from the view of the attackers, and the other from the attacked.

Steinbeck is successful in showing that there is good even in the worst form evil and that we have to look past the exterior and stereotype in order to see it. He reminded us that even in the most horrible situation, there is still goodness and likewise, the oppressed can be wicked too.
Further, he succeeded in telling us that even the weakest of all will find its strength when the things they value much are threatened.

Because of these, his works, particularly this one, remain timeless.