The Moon is Down 1

The first question for the novel The Moon Is Down asks what were the author’s values and attitudes when writing the book. The author of this book is John Steinbeck. The novel is written in third person. I think this was the best decision for the book because it is not just about one character. We do not see the book just from the Nazi’s point of view or just the townsmen view.  

The writing in the book "The Moon is Down" reveals many of John Steinbeck's values and attitudes. One value that is shown throughout the book is bravery. This is shown through the townspeople. At the end of the book they plan to revolt against the Nazi’s. The first act of revolt comes from Molly. The second time lieutenant Tonder visits, she kills him. This is her revenge from the death of her husband. If I was in her position I think I would have done the same thing. She had to be brave and courageous to kill him. I think the author wanted to show that these traits come in different actions. Bravery is also displayed when the planes carrying the parachutes are sent. These blue parachutes needed to get the townspeople to revolt. These gifts contained chocolate, dynamite, and directions on exactly what to do with it. The townspeople needed to have bravery in order to pull this off and they did.

The Moon is Down also revealed the authors, John Steinbeck’s, attitudes. This story I think reveals John Steinbeck's attitude about the war. The reader can see Steinbeck does not agree with Germany’s beliefs. He celebrates there defeat by the characters revolts and victories. Again this would be when Molly kills Lieutenant Tonder and the delivery of the parachutes.  This is also shown when they blow up the Nazi’s train tracks. It also shows his attitudes about freedom. He believes in revenge and freedom for people who have done nothing.

Steinbeck, John. The Moon Is Down. New York: Penguin Group, 1995. Print.