Written in 1942 when the outcome of the Second World War was still far off and the weighted considerations on the different behavioral lines followed by the various countries involved in the conflict had not yet been made, "The Moon Has Set" is a clear analysis of the fundamental difference between free will, between the claim to the choice of a free people ("we have as many heads as there are people and in moments of need leaders spring up among us like mushrooms" p. 113) that can decide to continue fighting and resisting even in defeat, and the herd man, follower of a single leader, who cannot do so because he is not authorized to act autonomously.

The herd man is comfortable when he hears himself addressed like this: "you must receive orders and execute them. Most of the orders will be unpleasant, but that's not your business." (p.106). And this can lead men who even say to their adversary "only for a while, can't we talk to each other like friends" and "I'm only here until I get sick of it" (p. 79), to the elimination of millions of people not during - albeit bloody - military actions in the field, but as a result of an order derived from a cold calculation at the table for the pure thirst for supremacy.

"The Moon Has Set" is a hymn to the individuality of choice. The community among men is not created by the awareness of belonging to a single squadron but by the dignity that the choice to act according to principles of justice confers, even at the cost of one's own life. The lives of Mayor Orden, Doctor Winter, the young Alex will not be so wasted for an abstract principle, but will be worth as an example to incite others not to bow their heads, so that the invasion never becomes a conquest, but stops only at a fragile dominion exercised by force.

In the novel "The Moon Is Down" written by John Steinbeck and published in 1942 during World War II,

a small town is invaded by the occupying army to exploit the coal mines there. Steinbeck tells the story of the mayor of the town and its poor people in the face of and resistance to the occupation.

He describes the situation of the occupying soldiers and what goes on in their minds, between the feeling of power and pride, and between isolation and strangeness and their strong desire with the passage of time to return to their country and their families.

Certainly, there is no peace for a people if that people is subjected to the occupation of its land and loses its freedom.

This simple novel had an inspiring and reassuring effect on the residents of the countries occupied by Germany during World War II.

I am waiting for the review.

This simple sentence holds a lot of anticipation. It implies that there is something that I have submitted or presented, and now I am eagerly looking forward to the feedback and evaluation.

The review could be for a variety of things, such as a written piece, a project, a performance, or even an idea. It is an important step in the process of improvement and growth.

While waiting for the review, I may feel a mix of emotions. There could be excitement at the possibility of receiving positive feedback and recognition for my efforts. On the other hand, there might also be a hint of nervousness or anxiety,担心 that the review might not be as favorable as I hoped.

However, regardless of the outcome, I know that the review will provide valuable insights and suggestions that will help me to enhance my work and become better.

So, I will continue to wait patiently, keeping an open mind and being ready to learn from whatever the review may bring.

Steinbeck penned this novel with the intention of showing his support for the occupied territories of Europe during the Second World War. The story revolves around the invasion of an unnamed Northern European nation, perhaps similar to Norway, by unnamed conquerors, much like the Germans. It reads almost like a play, and indeed, Steinbeck himself later adapted it for the theater. The atmosphere of unwavering socio-political defiance within it reminded me of Ibsen's 'An Enemy of the People'.

To be sure, the novel is not without its flaws. The setting and some of the conversations could have been more developed, especially considering the abundant material that Steinbeck had to work with. However, in the end, these shortcomings do not detract from the novel's significance as a symbol of the freedom of the human spirit, and of the self-assertion and self-expression of a people under oppression.

"The people don't like to be conquered, sir, and so they will not be. Free men cannot start a war, but once it is started, they can fight on in defeat. Herd men, followers of a leader, cannot do that, and so it is always the herd men who win battles and the free men who win wars. You will find that is so, sir."

Propaganda is a form of communication that is used to manipulate or influence the beliefs of groups or to support a particular cause or ideology.

The definition of the word propaganda gives people the feeling that it cannot be positive. However, Steinbeck had a different opinion. After the occupation of part of Europe by Nazi Germany during World War II, he believed that just as Hitler advanced his political goals through propaganda, the occupied countries and those at war should also have their own propaganda.

What kind of propaganda? Hope.

The story begins with the attack and occupation of a city by the enemy forces. Which country? We don't know. Which enemy? We don't know. This book is not written for a particular nation or war. What's important is that although the people of the city are seemingly easily forced to surrender, they maintain their spirit of freedom within.

One interesting point of this book is that it also portrays the enemy officers very humanely and mentions their inner sorrows. This causes a lot of criticism to be directed at Steinbeck when the book is published during the war. But after the war, it becomes clear that this book has been one of the most popular banned and smuggled books in the occupied countries, and at least the people involved in the war liked this realistic view.

But I. Although I never follow Steinbeck's descriptions and words, and this book also had little beauty, I establish less connection with stories that have clear and more general messages. Propaganda, one way or another, is ultimately one thing. Imposing a way of thinking. Even if this thinking is human freedom.

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Short and bittersweet, The Moon is Down presents a vivid portrayal of what happens to docile countryfolk when they are invaded and subjugated.

I wasn't sure what to anticipate from this lesser-known work by Steinbeck. After reading a few pages, my initial impression was that it would be a light comedy, similar to a Catch-22 anti-war declaration, with silly citizens and gullible army officers engaged in a daffy pre-"Hogan's Heroes" farce.

However, it soon took a serious and dark turn, yet still held a glimmer of hope. There are small heroes and tiny victories. The struggle is not heroic in a traditional sense. There are no action-packed descriptions. Instead, it is furtive. The victory over their oppressors is implied. The main message is that those who are supposedly conquered should resist their oppressors. Most will, and most will never give up the fight.

Aspects of The Moon is Down seemed familiar, and then one particular scene jogged my memory and transported me back 30 years or more to a TV version of All Quiet on the Western Front. In it, actor Richard Thomas (aka "John Boy") plays a German. I believe in the early 80s, he was attempting to break free from his good-guy Waltons persona. Playing a soldier from an antagonistic army forcing himself on a woman from the conquered country would surely achieve that. Well, anyway, the scene in question is not, as I recall, from All Quiet..., but rather from this book. I hope Steinbeck received some recognition for it.

Withdrawn from Llanilltud Fawr English Department. No dedication.

Opening: By ten-forty-five it was all over. The town was occupied, the defenders defeated, and the war finished. This vivid description immediately sets the scene and grabs the reader's attention. It makes one wonder about the events that led to this outcome and what will happen next.

HATTIP: It was Melki reading this a short while ago that sent me ferreting out my copy. This mention of Melki adds a personal touch and shows that the author's interest in the piece was rekindled by someone else's reading.

I couldn't help but see Klaus Kinski in the rôle of Tonder. The comparison to Klaus Kinski gives the reader a better idea of what the character Tonder might look like and how he might act. It also adds an element of drama and excitement.

Uplifting read and suddenly I want to make millions of little blue parachutes to help those beleagured females in America who would prefer an abortion without the Victorian shame tactics, or how about a drop in Russia where the anti-Putin contingent would get a fair election result. Wait, even better - how about North Korea or Falun Gong adherents, Sudan even. The author's desire to use the blue parachutes as a symbol of hope and help for various groups in different countries shows a sense of compassion and a desire for social change.

A world full of blue parachutes to aid the metaphorical white hats. This final sentence sums up the author's vision of a better world, where the blue parachutes represent a force for good and the white hats symbolize those who are fighting for justice and equality.

Albert Einstein once said, "People do not start a free war, but once it starts, they never lay down their arms, even when they are defeated. This is because of the human spirit within them, which is always striving forward. It is for this reason that the human spirit prevails in operations and free people succeed in battles."

I really like John Ashbery because he is a very unique poet. His stories are also excellent.

Einstein's words highlight the indomitable nature of free people. In the face of war, they are willing to fight to the end, driven by their beliefs and the pursuit of freedom.

John Ashbery's poetry, on the other hand, offers a different kind of beauty. His unique language and表达方式 make his works both mysterious and captivating.

Both Einstein's wisdom and Ashbery's artistry have had a profound impact on the world. They remind us of the power of the human spirit and the importance of creativity.

We should strive to embody these qualities in our own lives and continue to explore the limitless possibilities of the human experience.

John Steinbeck published The Moon is Down in 1942.

Although the novel does not explicitly mention either Norway or Germany, the astute reader quickly grasps that the setting is Norway during the Nazi German occupation that commenced in 1940. Crafted with the intention of easy adaptation to the theater, Steinbeck channels the spirit of Ibsen with his play-like, scene-centered action.

At the time of the novel's publication, Nazi German forces held sway over a significant portion of Europe and North Africa, and the Anglo-American and Russian allied forces had not yet managed to halt Nazi aggression and expansion. Steinbeck has masterfully crafted a simple, yet powerful and moving proclamation of the indomitable will of a people who resolutely refuse to yield to tyranny. The character of Mayor Orden, a symbol of unassuming yet unwavering resistance and leadership, encapsulates the theme of the novel when he states: "Our people are invaded, but I don't think they are conquered".

I truly loved this book and very nearly gave it a 5-star rating.

It was ostensibly written as intelligent propaganda for the Allies during WWII. From reading the afterword in the edition I perused, it appears to have been massively effective and influential in that context across numerous occupied countries.

Although it has been criticized for being overly simplistic, I firmly believe that the book stands extremely well as a novel in its own right. It is written simply and with such remarkable clarity that it delves right into the heart of the human experience. And it is all the more powerful precisely because of this.

In my eyes, it is an overlooked classic. Do not miss out on this wonderful piece of literature. It has the ability to touch your soul and make you think about the human condition in a profound way.

Whether you are interested in history or simply enjoy a well-written novel, this book is definitely worth your time and attention.

*\\"The flies have conquered the flypaper!\\"*

There is a small book with a big impact!

This relatively short story by Mr. Ashton Baker, who is one of my favorite writers, vividly shows the effects of war on the individuals involved on both sides of the conflict.

*\\"War means betrayal, hatred, the misdeeds of worthless commanders, chaos, destruction, disease and exhaustion, and nothing more until finally it comes to an end. And then nothing changes except for the new hatreds and exhaustion that replace the old ones.\\"*

This powerful statement reflects the harsh reality of war. It not only causes physical damage and loss of life but also leaves deep psychological scars on those who experience it. The story may make us think about the futility of war and the importance of finding peaceful solutions to conflicts. We should strive to understand the perspectives of others and work towards building a more harmonious and just world.

Well, I think after reading "Mice and Men" and "Pearl" and this wonderful book, now I have become so warm that I will go towards the bushes and make sure that there is another extraordinary story from Steinbeck that I love and am eagerly waiting for!

Steinbeck's works have always had a special charm for me. His vivid descriptions and deep insights into human nature make me completely immersed in the stories.

Whether it's the tragic fate of the characters in "Mice and Men" or the complex emotions and struggles in "Pearl," each story touches my heart.

I can't wait to discover more of his masterpieces and continue to explore the rich world he has created.