John Steinbeck's Narrative

               John Steinbeck wrote a narrative called Travels with Charlie In search of America .   Steinbeck's point of view is that nature has become a dump for the consumer's product. His writing is descriptive and he uses figurative languages, his characters, diction and the structure of the story, to show his idea.

            He successfully incorporated his philosophy of realism within his narrative. Steinbeck use of figurative language gives the reader images that helps them understands the story or the plot of the story.   "American cities are like badger holes, ringed with trash-all of them - surrounded by piles of wrecked and rusting automobiles, and almost smothered with rubbish." He sees America, a country that neglects to take care of nature.   This example of figurative language helps readers realize the reality and that it is true that our country is "like a badger hole".

            "The wind struck on the moment we were told it would, and ripped the water like a black sheet. It hammered like a fist." This was when a storm hit the place where that character was. Steinbeck's descriptive writing makes it easier for readers to understand what he see and hear. Another examples of figurative language, helps the characterization of a character for example Charley. "Charley caught it for me, but he is gallant dog. He came into and the old fool played with the plastic bath mat like a puppy." This shows that even thought Charley is old he has that personality of a puppy.

            "A long time ago I was in the ancient city of Prague and at the same time Joseph Alsop, the justly famous critic of place and events, was there. He talked to informed people, officials, ambassadors; he reads reports, even the fine print..." Joseph Alsop is one the character that the main character met during his travel to abroad. Steinbeck's narrative has a structure where the author wrote in a first person voice. "When I started this narrative, I knew that sooner or later I would have to have a go at Texas," This shows that the author writes his story like he was actually there and he lived it.   The author also used diction, words like "exuberance", "gaiety", "buxom", "tort", and more.

            All this elements helps the author to convey his goal or what he means to the readers. This literature also opened people's eyes to the reality where nature has been neglected.   For me this narrative gives me the idea what the author thinks at what his point of view about nature and the reality is.   Nature is beautiful and it's also important.