It is common for historical fiction war novels to involve suspense, drama and mystery to attract the readers attention. John Steinbeck is no exception to this norm. He used all of those things, plus more, to engage his audience and keep readers coming back for more. Just like in a real war you never know what is coming next and you always have to stay on your toes. Your mind must be thinking two steps ahead at all times, especially if you are in a leadership position. The suspense and drama comes into play when Molly hides a kitchen knife underneath her skirt just as Lieutenant Tonder comes to knock on the door. Steinbeck leaves you wondering why she did that. The audience does not find out until about two chapters later that Lieutenant Tonder actually was killed, in a comment made by Colonel Lanser. The reader just had to keep reading to find out if he was really killed!
Something that stands out in a very obvious and extreme way is the parachutes that the town received. It is probably hands down the most mysterious part of the whole novel. Who would send such a thing? Why did they send them to that particular town? Included in the parachute package was one stick of dynamite and a piece of chocolate. Why did the people who sent these packages decide on these two items? The mystery keeps you wondering the whole time. I personally thought it was a very interesting way to add drama and mystery to the novel. Steinbeck was also pretty descriptive with his language. He wrote this story wonderfully.
Steinbeck, John. The Moon is Down. New York: Penguin Classics, 1942. Print.
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