The Moon is Down: Question 6

          Why do we still read this book?  What is so timeless about its message and characters?  What can we learn from reading this novel? We still read The Moon is Down, because although it is an old novel, we can still learn from the messages within. The characters in the novel are part of what makes the novel so timeless. Although the invaders are not people to look at for inspiration and respect, but they are humans. That is what makes it so good; everyone is human, no matter how good or bad. The Nazis are obviously terrible people. We have been taught this in school for many years. What makes this novel different is that Steinbeck gives them these characteristics that make them seem like real people, rather than monsters. The townspeople represent strength and persistence. They never stop trying to resist the invaders. This persistence makes them admirable, because it teaches the reader that if you want something done, never stops trying (Steinbeck).  

            In the novel, we can learn several things. We can learn persistence, as I mentioned earlier, and we can also learn about unity. Unity makes everything better. If we can work together in peace, we can accomplish anything. If an entire town can work together to save up dynamite and put away their differences for the time being, then it makes things so much easier to get things done (Steinbeck). Another thing we can learn in the novel is about the nature of war. In war not only the people being invaded suffer. In the novel, the invaders gradually get more and more tired of being hated. Human nature makes us want to be accepted and liked, and if every single person you deal with during the day has so much hatred, and even killed your friend, you are bound to get a little fed up and stir crazy (Steinbeck).

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

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