The Moon Is Down - 5

5) How does this novel reflect the history, behavior and social issues of the time period and setting?  What is this book's symbolic and thematic significance?

Considering the fact that this book comes from the "historical fiction" genre, I am pleased to say that this book is in fact, quite historically accurate.  You see, this story is set in the World War Two era, and not a pleasant era, at that.  Although this era sucked, it was vital to our country's history, and the book reflects it quite well.  Obviously, during that time, things were quite a bit different.  People did not behave the same way we do here, today.  People were more frightened during the attack, and they really had no idea what to do at all.  I feel like now we would have a better plan than they did.  Because they had no clue as to what to do or how to react, they reacted with fear and confusion.  When all of that was sorted out, they were able to revolt a bit, which is where the whole thematic unity thing comes to play.  Alex plays a large roll in the rebellion, being the one to really initiate the whole thing (Steinbeck 53).  He is the one who brings everyone together against the invaders, which is something I admire.
Overall, the book creates a feeling of what it would have been like to endure an invasion during the civil war, which is exactly what the story was meant to do.  I feel as though that is a very good way of saying that it is quite historically accurate.  There is not too much symbolism that I noticed, but the time period that the book is set in plays a major roll in the theme, of course.  Everything seems like it goes back to the idea of unity, which was something that was needed during this time.  Without unity, I do not even want to know where we would be right now.  Things would certainly not be the way they are now.  While unity is not always a great thing (i.e. German invaders),  it is still a vital system for the world we live in today.  Groups are everywhere for a reason, and the reason is humanity.  

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