Chapter Summary: The Wide World Of John Steinbeck

Summary:

‘The Wide World of John Steinbeck’, written by Peter Lisca is broken down in three sections. The first section is the opinions of readers, critics and also John Steinbeck. In one review by F.O. Mathiessen says, “It’s a puzzler why Steinbeck should have wanted to write or publish such a book at this point of his career.” (Page 197-198) Another review was by John Steinbeck, himself, which he said in a letter to some of his agents which stated, “Mixed up book,” and also “pretty general ribbing.” (Page 198) There was one so-called positive review, which the critic Edmund Wilson said, “he most enjoyed reading.” (Page 198) But he continued his review by saying that it wasn’t very philosophical. The second section actually gives you a picture

For instance describing them in one of the paragraphs Steinbeck writes, “Mack has qualities of genius. They’re all very clever if they want something.”(Page 201) When describing and giving an idea of the type of character Lee Chong is state’s “is successful in Cannery Row because he does not fight his environment, but adjust his business to fit it.” (Page 201-202) This section is able to break down each of the main characters just so you can maybe get a visual in your head to better understand them. In this section of giving an idea and understanding of the characters, it also compares Cannery Row to other novels written by John Steinbeck. One example of this is when in a part of the book it says how even though Cannery Row and Tortilla Flat have girls, the girls from Cannery Row didn’t cause as many unnecessary drama or problems like the girls from Tortilla Flat. An example that was listed was the fact that Dora’s girls never acknowledged the men anywhere outside the

Lisca didn’t list any information or gossip that he wasn’t able to support. For instance when Lisca stated something that Steinbeck said, he was able to support it, because it wasn’t just said but he specified that it was written by Steinbeck to certain individuals. Therefore, because he was not there to hear it, he would be able to produce evidence, either by the letter or perhaps the person Steinbeck was writing to. Not only this but Peter Lisca also labeled the dates and sources in parenthesis after the statements. To further the acknowledgement that Lisca was reliable he also used reputable critics and their reviews on Cannery Row and Steinbeck. Such names included F.O Matthiessen who was a professor and received his education from reputable schools such as, Yale and also Harvard University. Lisca also gave the name Edmund Wilson who wrote Vanity Affairs and was also a well- known critic and author. Among some of the scholars that Lisca used he was also able to note that Ed Ricketts was in deed Doc in Cannery Row. Ed Ricketts was John Steinbeck’s best friend. Which would also give another credible source. In fact, the beginning of the book it stated, “For Ed Ricketts who knows why or should.” Lisca even went a little farther as to list that Life wanted to do a story and take pictures of