The 100th Anniversary of John Steinbeck's Birth Celebrated Worldwide - 2002-02-28

John Steinbeck, the renowned American author, was born on February 27, a hundred years ago, and special ceremonies are being held worldwide to commemorate the centenary of the author of 'The Grapes of Wrath,' 'Of Mice and Men,' and 'East of Eden,' who won the Nobel Prize in Literature. So far, few authors have had the honor of having their birthdays celebrated with such extensive and special ceremonies. These events, which began in mid-2001 and will continue until the end of 2002, see Steinbeck's supporters across the United States revisiting his works, holding discussions and exchanges, film festivals, and photo exhibitions. In California, Steinbeck's birthplace, tours have been organized to take enthusiasts to the locations of his stories. A symphony has also been composed in his honor, and 'The Grapes of Wrath' is being revisited in all schools across the United States. Jackson Benson, Steinbeck's biographer, believes that the author's appeal to ordinary people stems from his special attention and interest in the common man. Benson states, 'Steinbeck was of the people, for the people, and a writer of the people. It doesn't matter if you are American, German, French, or Chinese; his empathy came from within.' He empathized with those who were victims of discrimination and oppression or could not find jobs or food to feed their families. In a 1952 interview with Voice of America, Steinbeck expressed a desire to be a writer of literary works rather than social propaganda. Nonetheless, it is natural that his social concerns also manifested in his stories. He stated in that interview, 'I believe that if someone becomes angry or their emotions are stirred and there is a possibility for change, they will use the closest weapon at their disposal.' John Steinbeck was born in 1902 in an agricultural community in Salinas, California. His stories celebrate the landscapes of the West Coast of America at a time when most famous American writers came from the East and Midwest. He also wrote about the lack of opportunities for the poorest residents of the West. According to Benson, Steinbeck used California as a metaphor. It seems that he believed California was the ultimate land and edge of the Pacific Ocean, a place from which you could not go further; California is a myth of opportunities and possibilities. According to Jackson Benson, part of Steinbeck's empathy for those living on the margins of society stemmed from his own teenage experiences. He appeared rough and backward in his youth and was pushed into isolation, and these bitter realities changed his view of life.