The Moon is Down: History, Responsibilities between Groups, and Influences

The Moon is Down is clearly involves a war.  By simply reading the book it is difficult to tell which war, but upon researching it is identified as World War II.  This is where he got his influence to write the story- from the events happening in Europe.  There are even a few references in the book to the Leader, which in German is “die Führer”.  Anyway, the book is representing the treatment of German occupied Norway.  It tells of how the German army came in initially enthusiastic and thinking that the people who occupied the town were very nice.  Eventually, however, those “nice” people turned against the army and began to put up a resistance.  Just like in the story, one export that the Germans were trying to get out of Norway was coal (NORWEGIAN WW2 HISTORY).  Also, as the story suggests, many supplies such as food were coming in short supply.  In addition, during the invasion of Norway, there was little resistance.  After a few short battles, Germany gained control of the country.  Like Steinbeck’s George Corell, countless Norwegians were found guilty of espionage; they were members of the Norwegian National Socialist Party.  Thirty people were executed for treason after the war was finished (NORWEGIAN WW2 HISTORY). 

            It is my opinion that John Steinbeck reflected his views on how a democracy and its people should relate to each other.  It seemed like Steinbeck believed that any elected official should, by definition of his post, protect and make decisions to the best interest of the people.  Instead of having Mayor Orden flee from the threat of danger, Steinbeck had Orden stay and try to negotiate with the invading army.  His talks would prove to have little benefit, but at least he made an attempt, which is all you can ask someone in his position to do.   Also, Steinbeck made the relationship between the invaders and the invaded into “do as I say” ordeal which is understandable since the country had been invaded.  I think that Steinbeck’s view, in contrast, was that even if a country is invaded, the spirits of hope and freedom cannot be broken so easily.  Steinbeck might have thought that even though they were conquered, the people still could choose to do what they felt was right.    

Streiker, Julius. "NORWEGIAN WW2 HISTORY." The 16. Mai Agreement. N.p., 1999. Web. 5 Aug. 2012. <http://www.thenewsturmer.com/norwegian%20ww2%20history/The%2016%20of%20May.htm>.

Steinbeck, John. The Moon Is Down. New York: Viking, 1942. Print.