Sadly, this is my first time reading Steinbeck, and by 5 chapters in, I was thinking, "No wonder this became a classic." Steinbeck's powers of description and metaphor are considerable. I rather liked the detailed, if somewhat long, description of the landscape that starts off the book. It really helped me picture the setting in my mind. I feel like that kind of description of "place" in novels doesn't happen as much anymore (though to be fair, I tend to read less fiction than I do nonfiction, so perhaps my perspective is skewed).
Chapter 5: Devastating. Such a well-crafted rejoinder to those who might praise unfettered capitalism.
You said there was 'no doubt a lot you missed'...I tend to suck at recognizing symbolism in fiction writing, so I think you did great. Keep up the good work. :)
You are my first ever commenter, but hopefully not for long! Thanks so much for your participation. It means a lot.
I totally agree about Steinbeck's powers of description and metaphor -- the landscape itself and the Mother Road feel almost more like living, breathing characters than simple surroundings, which makes sense considering the emphasis Steinbeck places on man's connection with the land.
(Am I the lone commenter so far?)
Sadly, this is my first time reading Steinbeck, and by 5 chapters in, I was thinking, "No wonder this became a classic." Steinbeck's powers of description and metaphor are considerable. I rather liked the detailed, if somewhat long, description of the landscape that starts off the book. It really helped me picture the setting in my mind. I feel like that kind of description of "place" in novels doesn't happen as much anymore (though to be fair, I tend to read less fiction than I do nonfiction, so perhaps my perspective is skewed).
Chapter 5: Devastating. Such a well-crafted rejoinder to those who might praise unfettered capitalism.
You said there was 'no doubt a lot you missed'...I tend to suck at recognizing symbolism in fiction writing, so I think you did great. Keep up the good work. :)
You are my first ever commenter, but hopefully not for long! Thanks so much for your participation. It means a lot.
I totally agree about Steinbeck's powers of description and metaphor -- the landscape itself and the Mother Road feel almost more like living, breathing characters than simple surroundings, which makes sense considering the emphasis Steinbeck places on man's connection with the land.
Thanks for reading!