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Comparing A Mercy And Steinbeck's Travels With Charley

726 Words3 Pages

Although Morisson’s A Mercy and Steinbeck’s Travels with Charley are very different books, they both tell the reader about American identity and what it means to be American. One of the arguments that Steinbeck makes about what it means to be an American is being politically active/informed. The United States is known for its democracy and the right to vote is something that Americans take for granted, but it is a big part of who we are as a nation. Steinbeck (as a Democrat) wrote about the fights that he would have with his Republican sisters and he observed, “…I don’t think we were the only ones. I believe this was going on all over the country in private” (Steinbeck 152). Being able to debate and use the freedom of speech is essential to …show more content…

After speaking to people who lived in a mobile home he concluded, “Could it be that Americans are a restless people, a mobile people, never satisfied with where they are as a matter of selection?” (Steinbeck 80). Steinbeck believed that as a result of being a country of immigrants, never wanting to settle down permanently is in our blood. Another interesting thing that Travels with Charley says about being American is kindness. Nearly everywhere Steinbeck traveled to he met strangers who were willing to help him to the best of their abilities. There are countless examples of this, from the vet who cured Charley to the cop in New York City who helped him find his way home. When a man went above and beyond to get Rocinante fixed quickly Steinbeck wrote, “And if ever my faith in the essential saintliness of humans becomes tattered, I shall think of that evil-looking man” (Steinbeck 142). Along his trip, Steinbeck met many kind and helpful people who showed him how generous Americans are. These are just three of the many traits that Steinbeck found consistent in all of the Americans that he

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Throughout history, authors utilize the written word to either expose grievous faults within society or celebrate the feats of society. John Steinbeck is certainly no exception as he has constructed many pieces which serve to enlighten the audience on the accomplishments and faults of society. The novel, The Grapes of Wrath, written by John Steinbeck attempts to expose faults within society which include prejudice and the overwhelming desire for greed. He does so through his use of allusions, diction, and characterization. John Steinbeck in the novel, The Grapes of Wrath, attempts to expose one of society’s most detrimental flaws--prejudice through the use of repetition and characterization.

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He claims to, “Let every man make known what kind of government would command his respect, and that will be one step toward obtaining it” (Thoreau). He also states, “This American government...has not the vitality and force of a single living man; for a single man can bend it to his will” (Thoreau). Through these quotes, Thoreau expresses how he believes that men should be vocal enough to demand the type of government that would best support them. He also stresses how powerful the people and their influence are in regards to altering the government, whereas Steinbeck explained a circumstance where the people had to conform and change themselves in order to

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