The Moon Is Down - 1

1) What does the writing reveal about the author's values and attitudes?  From what perspective does he/she write?

Steinbeck writes The Moon Is Down from an third person omniscient point of view.  This means that the narrator can see everything that is going on in everyone's mind.  This is not my personal favorite perspective because there is no real mystery as to what is happening with the characters, but that is alright.  I did not mind very much for some reason in this book.  I find that the book style and plot shows the Steinbeck did not appreciate World War Two, but who would?  It shows that his attitude was very dark towards that era, and it shows that he values unity against a common enemy and freedom as people.
In the book, many people in the town have no clue what is about to happen to them, especially during the invasion in the beginning (Steinbeck 20).  Although none of them really know what is actually happening, they all are still together as a community (except an unnamed traitor).  Even if they were not able to actually do anything about the German (I'm assuming) invaders, they still stayed united for the most part and did all that they could for their freedom.  Even the people who would not have necessarily came together with others before such an event were able to pull through and help unite.  They did whatever they could.
He also valued peace, which was reflected by many of the characters throughout the story.  Obviously the characters wanted peace during war.  I especially noticed this in Mayor Orden, who would have done anything to keep his people safe throughout the war.  this was not easy for him to do, but he did everything in his power to do just that.  
This war was a very dark time for everyone, and even though it is considered historical fiction, the attitudes expressed in it are very similar to those of people that this actually happened to.  Although this was not my favorite book, I do very much respect what the people of this era went through.  I think that is part of what makes this book so timeless.  

Steinbeck, John. The Moon Is Down. New York: Viking, 1942. Print.