The Moon is Down 5

Question five asks how accurately does the novel The Moon is Down reflect history, behavior, and social issues of the time period and setting. Before I can answer the question a few things must be noted. The period in which this book was written is 1942 during the early days of World War II. The setting of "The Moon is Down" is in a small coal-mining village somewhere in Europe. The actual country in Europe that this story takes place is never specifically mentioned.

The plot of the story shows the history. The invaders, which are the Nazis, invade a small coal-mining village and the townspeople who live in it.  The townspeople struggle to maintain their freedom and decide to revolt. The characters are another thing that represents the history of the war. The major characters would be the "invaders" or soldiers. They reflect the history of the war because they are the enemy These included Captain Bentick, Captain Loft, Colonel Lanser, Major Hunter, Lieutenant Tonder, and Lieutenant Prackle.

Behavior and social issues are due to the war. The invaders treat the townspeople with hatred and disrespect because there leader is telling them too. The behavior from the townspeople is related to the social issues as well. The soldiers are treating the townspeople bad so the townspeople rebel.

The symbolic significance of "The Moon is Down" would be World War II. I think this because of the plot and what the book symbolizes. I think the thematic significance of this book would be the courage shown by the townspeople. Examples of this courage would be when Alexander sticks up for himself, when Molly kills Lieutenant Tonder, and the destruction of the rail road tracks. This is a theme of courage is shown through the entire story. Examples of this

I think this book is a good representation of the war. The themes are admirable and teach readers a good lesson. I think Steinbeck did a good job of representing World War II.