ALLEGORICAL STRUCTURE IN JOHN STEINBECK' S NOVELS

Abstract

The works of John Ernst Steinbeck (1902-1968) are among the best known and most popular in American Literature. He is one of the most creative and versatile writers of the twentieth century Tracing John Steinbeck's attitude and reviewing critical studies about his life, symbols, readings, and works cast light on an important aspect; i.e., his use of the allegorical structure. He is an allegorist although he does not adopt an entrenched doctrine like other allegorists. With Steinbeck, a marked tendency to write allegory and a preoccupation with archetypal figures may be clearly observed from the beginning to the end of his career. Variety is the best word to describe the generic types employed in his novels.

The present study is divided into an introduction, three chapters and a conclusion. The novels selected for analysis: To A God Unknown (1933), Tortilla Flat (1935), In Dubious Battle (1936). Of Mice And Men (1937), The Grapes Of Wrath (1939), Burning Bright (1950) and East Of Eden (1952). To discuss the allegorical elements 1n Steinbeck's nove.ls, this needs to discuss the characters. events, and settings that represent deeper truth than what is suggested by the surface story.