The Moon Is Down blog 8

The Moon Is Down accurately reflects some of the events during World War II.  Many of the conquered countries probably had small towns that dealt with many of the same things as seen in The Moon Is Down.  Betrayals were also commonplace during the war.  Like Mr. Corell’s treason against his town, the Nazis had spies everywhere promoting their ideas and conquests.  The Moon Is Down could also be compared with many revolutions in history.  When America had its war for independence, it was over the issues of freedom to rule itself.  The themes of democracy expressed in this novel show that people will be moved to action when their freedom is taken away.  This issue has been repeated over and over again in the history of the world.  From the Israelites in Egypt to the war in Vietnam, freedom has been an issue that has caused countless wars and deaths.  It only proves just how important it is to us as humans.  We only live once, so why would we waste our lives being controlled by others.  John Steinbeck believed that important responsibilities existed between people groups like the mayor and his citizens.  “’I arrested you as a hostage for the good behavior of your people.  Those are my orders.’  ‘But that won’t stop it,’ Orden said simply.  ‘You don’t understand.  When I have become a hindrance to the people, they will do without me.’” (Steinbeck 109).  The mayor only had as much power as that to which he was given; the people held the true power.   The mayor’s role was to act as a symbol to his people to keep them motivated and willing to fight back.  The idea of mayor would not die out with Orden, for the people hold the power to keep their democracy alive.  The outbreak of war in Europe and his compassionate attitude towards those affected by it led Steinbeck to write this novel.  Refugees escaping the dangers in Europe also influenced his writing and the way it was portrayed. 

Steinbeck, John. The Moon Is Down. Ney York: Penguin Group, 1995. Print.