Response to the novel - AO3 Context Flashcards
What political impact did the novel have? What did reforms were put in place after its publication?
First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt upon reading the book called for congressional hearings which resulted in reform to the labor laws governing migrant camps.
What did Dorothy Wallace say about peoples view on Steinbeck?
‘If you were making money, you didn’t like Steinbeck. If you were coming up through the classes, you were a fan of him’.
What does Shillingaw say keeps engagement with the novel high?
‘Empathy is the signature of the book’
How was the book initially received?
Immediate commercial and critical smash - sold over 400,000 copies in first year of publication.
What did the New York Times say about the novel?
‘A magnificent novel of America’.
What did Lady Roosevelt write about the book?
In her nationally syndicated newspaper column - ‘My Day’ - she wrote ‘I have just finished a book which is an unforgettable experience in reading’. She adds it ‘both repels and attracts you’.
Why was the book not as well received for some?
For obscene language and its general themes - the book in some communities, such as California, was banned and burned.
What was the novel sometimes viewed as?
Communist Propaganda and a rejection of American individualism.
Why were farmers angry about the publication of the book?
It fomented anger about their labor practices.
What did the Association of California Farmers declare?
The novel was a ‘pack of lies’.
What should be noted about the Weedpatch camp?
It existed in reality and is on the National Register of Historic Places for the role it played in migration - the camp often hosted Steinbeck whilst he was writing articles.
When was the book banned?
August 1939 - a vote of 4 to 1 on the board removed it from county libraries and schools.
Who was Bill Camp and what did he heavily enforce?
Head of the local Associated Farmers - a group of big landowners who avidly opposed organised labour.
He pushed for the banning of the book and knew how to pass legislation well.
