One True Podcast Susan Shillinglaw on John Steinbeck
Feb 12, 2026
Susan Shillinglaw, Professor emerita and leading Steinbeck scholar, guides a lively tour of Steinbeck’s life and craft. She contrasts his 1930s path with Hemingway’s, explores Grapes of Wrath’s interchapters and documentary ties, reads The Red Pony as a coming-of-age tale, and traces wartime witnessing, postwar trauma in Cannery Row, and Steinbeck’s experimental parables.
57:05
Timing Shaped Literary Reputations
- Hemingway established reputation earlier, making Steinbeck seem sidelined despite comparable talent.
- Steinbeck's Western location and later rise kept him less central to modernist narratives.
Different Routes To Plain Prose
- Both writers pursued clearer, simpler prose but arrived differently.
- Steinbeck started with ornate, musical prose and pared down later under editorial and personal influence.
Layers Instead Of Icebergs
- Steinbeck used omission and layered meanings like Hemingway but via different techniques.
- He wrote books on multiple levels so attentive readers uncover deeper metaphysical and historical layers.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Why Steinbeck Is Less Discussed Than Hemingway
02:45 • 3min
1930s: Different Paths, Shared Political Engagement
05:41 • 2min
Stylistic Differences and Prose Simplification
07:39 • 4min
Iceberg Theory and Steinbeck's Levels
11:31 • 1min
Interchapters, Documentary Influence, and Lorentz
12:52 • 2min
Didactic Risk vs. Witnessing in Grapes of Wrath
14:31 • 2min
Animal Nature and Emotional Realism
16:37 • 2min
Sentiment and Tough Realism in The Red Pony
19:02 • 3min
Parallels: Jody Tiflin and Nick Adams
21:57 • 3min
Drinking, Personality, and Steinbeck's Temperament
24:55 • 2min
Steinbeck's Response to Hemingway's 'The Killers'
26:31 • 4min
Steinbeck as War Witness and Reporter
30:37 • 4min
The Moon Is Down and Resistance Literature
34:55 • 4min
Postwar Trauma in Cannery Row
38:33 • 2min
Detachment, Ricketts, and Studying Human Behavior
40:06 • 3min
Why Steinbeck Went to Vietnam and His Views
42:39 • 3min
The Pearl as Experiment and Parable
46:04 • 3min
Temperament: Modesty, Humor, and Pegasus
49:12 • 3min
East of Eden: Experiment, Myth, and Cathy
52:06 • 2min
Outro
54:05 • 2min
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The long valley
Albert Murray
John Steinbeck
"The Long Valley" is a collection of short stories by John Steinbeck, set in the Salinas Valley of California, exploring the lives of diverse characters and their relationships with the land.
Through vivid descriptions and poignant narratives, Steinbeck captures the essence of rural life, portraying themes of love, loss, and the human condition.
Each story offers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people as they navigate the challenges of nature and society.
The collection showcases Steinbeck's talent for character development and his deep connection to the landscapes and communities of his native California.
#588
• Mentioned in 54 episodes
The sun also rises
Ernest Hemingway
Originally published in 1926, 'The Sun Also Rises' is Ernest Hemingway’s first novel and a classic example of his spare but powerful writing style.
The novel follows a group of young American and British expatriates as they wander through Europe in the mid-1920s, capturing the moods, feelings, and attitudes of the cynical and disillusioned Lost Generation.
The story centers around Jake Barnes, a World War I veteran and journalist, and Lady Brett Ashley, as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain.
The novel portrays an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealized love, and vanishing illusions, reflecting the existential disillusionment characteristic of the Lost Generation.
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Big Two-Hearted River
Ernest Hemingway
"Big Two-Hearted River" is a two-part short story by Ernest Hemingway that depicts Nick Adams's solitary camping and fishing trip in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan after returning from World War I. As Nick methodically sets up camp and fishes in the river, the story explores themes of healing, nature, and the process of recovery from trauma.
Through detailed descriptions and understated prose, Hemingway captures Nick's emotional state and his attempt to find solace and renewal in the natural world.
The story reflects on the psychological impact of war and the restorative power of simple, purposeful activities.
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The Red Pony
John Steinbeck
The Red Pony, by John Steinbeck, is a novella that tells the story of Jody Tiflin, a young boy growing up on a ranch in California.
Jody's life is shaped by his relationships with his family and the natural world around him, particularly his red pony, Gabilan.
Through a series of coming-of-age experiences, Jody learns valuable lessons about life, death, and the responsibilities of adulthood.
The novella explores themes of innocence, loss, and the challenges of growing up, portraying the complexities of human emotions and the connection between people and their environment.
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On Reading the Grapes of Wrath
a brilliant companion to that brilliant novel
Susan Shillinglaw
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Lifeboat
John Steinbeck
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The Butterfly in the Tank
Ernest Hemingway
#4179
• Mentioned in 12 episodes
A Moveable Feast
Ernest Hemingway
In 'A Moveable Feast', Hemingway recounts his life in Paris during the 1920s, detailing his experiences as a young, unknown writer.
The book is filled with vivid descriptions of the city, its nightlife, and the literary figures he encountered, including James Joyce, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, and Gertrude Stein.
Hemingway reflects on his poverty, his writing, and his personal relationships, all set against the backdrop of Paris's vibrant cultural scene.
The memoir was written during the last years of Hemingway's life and published posthumously in 1964 by his widow, Mary Hemingway.
#11112
• Mentioned in 5 episodes
The moon is down
John Steinbeck
The Moon Is Down by John Steinbeck tells the story of a small coastal town invaded by an unnamed enemy force, likely modeled after Nazi Germany.
The novel explores the themes of resistance, resilience, and the power of democracy in the face of authoritarianism.
It was written to inspire resistance movements during World War II and has been widely acclaimed for its portrayal of the human spirit under occupation.
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The tank killers
Yeide, Harry.
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To a God Unknown
John Steinbeck
#16727
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
In Our Time
Ernest Hemingway
'In Our Time' is a collection of short stories by Ernest Hemingway, characterized by its fragmented structure and stark, minimalist prose.
The stories explore themes of war, trauma, and the disillusionment of the post-World War I generation.
Interspersed among the stories are brief, vignette-like chapters that depict scenes of violence and death.
The collection introduces recurring characters like Nick Adams, offering glimpses into his experiences and development.
Hemingway's use of precise language and his focus on sensory details create a powerful and emotionally resonant reading experience.
The collection is a landmark in modernist literature, influencing generations of writers with its innovative style and its unflinching portrayal of human experience.
#1336
• Mentioned in 30 episodes
For Whom the Bell Tolls
John Donne
While the podcast mentions "For Whom the Bell Tolls" in relation to a John Donne sermon, it's important to note that the title is most famously associated with Ernest Hemingway's novel.
Hemingway's "For Whom the Bell Tolls" is set during the Spanish Civil War and follows Robert Jordan, an American volunteer fighting alongside the Republicans.
The novel explores themes of war, love, and sacrifice against the backdrop of political conflict.
Jordan's experiences and relationships highlight the complexities of war and the human cost of ideological battles.
The novel's powerful prose and exploration of universal themes have cemented its place as a classic of 20th-century literature.
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In Dubious Battle
John Steinbeck
In Dubious Battle follows young Jim Nolan, who joins the Communist Party and teams up with veteran organizer Mac McLeod to incite a strike among exploited migrant workers in Torgas Valley after growers cut wages.
As the strike escalates into violence, with confrontations against scabs, landowners, and authorities, the narrative examines the tensions between individual purpose and collective action, the manipulation of the masses, and the tragic costs of ideological commitment.
Steinbeck portrays the workers' defiance turning into fanaticism, highlighting the human toll without clear victors.
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• Mentioned in 2 episodes
Indian camp
Ernest Hemingway
"Indian Camp" is a short story that depicts Nick Adams accompanying his father, a doctor, on a visit to an Indian camp to deliver a baby.
The story explores themes of life, death, and the loss of innocence through Nick's observations and experiences.
The primitive conditions of the birth and the subsequent suicide of the father deeply affect young Nick.
Hemingway's concise prose and stark imagery create a powerful and unsettling narrative.
The story is one of the first Nick Adams stories, marking an important part of Hemingway's early work.
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Bombs away
The Story of a Bomber Team
John Steinbeck
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The Garden of Eden
Ernest Hemingway
The Garden of Eden is a semiautobiographical novel that explores themes of male-female relationships, gender roles, and the complexities of love and identity.
The story follows David Bourne, a young American writer, and his wife Catherine, as they embark on an extended honeymoon in the French Riviera and Spain.
Their idyllic life is disrupted by Catherine's increasingly bizarre behavior and her desire to blur gender lines, leading to a dangerous and erotic game involving another woman, Marita.
The novel reflects Hemingway's own experiences and explores themes of innocence, loss, and the writer's craft.
#7080
• Mentioned in 7 episodes
Cannery Row
John Steinbeck
Published in 1945, 'Cannery Row' is a novel by John Steinbeck that captures the essence of a place and its people.
The story revolves around Mack, a leader of a group of homeless men, and their efforts to throw a party for Doc, a marine biologist.
The novel is characterized by its lack of a traditional plot, instead using vignettes to introduce various characters and explore themes of community, acceptance, and the fragility of life.
The setting is vividly described, reflecting the real-life fish packing industry of Monterey during the Great Depression.
Steinbeck portrays the characters, including Mack, Doc, Dora the madam, and Lee Chong the grocer, as complex and relatable, highlighting their virtues and the strong sense of community they foster despite their hardships.
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A Cup of Gold
John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck's "A Cup of Gold" is his first novel, a historical fiction set in 16th-century Jamaica.
It tells the story of Sir Henry Morgan, a Welsh pirate who rose to become a wealthy and powerful figure.
The novel explores themes of adventure, greed, and the complexities of human nature.
Steinbeck's vivid descriptions of the island's landscape and the characters' lives create a rich and immersive reading experience.
The novel is a departure from Steinbeck's later works, showcasing his early talent for storytelling and character development.
It offers a glimpse into the author's evolving style and his fascination with historical figures and events.
#18069
• Mentioned in 3 episodes
Tortilla flat
John Steinbeck
Set in Monterey, California, 'Tortilla Flat' follows the adventures of a group of paisanos, men of mixed Spanish, Mexican, and Indian descent, as they navigate life, friendship, and the pursuit of wine.
The novel is Steinbeck's first major success and explores themes of camaraderie and the beauty of simple living.
It was inspired by the Arthurian legends, comparing the characters to the Knights of the Round Table.
#974
• Mentioned in 38 episodes
Of mice and men
John Steinbeck
Published in 1937, 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck is a novella that tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant ranch workers in California during the Great Depression.
The narrative revolves around their dream of owning a small farm, a symbol of the American Dream.
However, their plans are continually thwarted by circumstances, including Lennie's accidental killing of the ranch owner's daughter-in-law, which leads to a tragic conclusion.
The book is known for its vivid portrayal of farm life, its exploration of themes such as loneliness, friendship, and the harsh realities of the labor system, and its objective narrative style.
It has been widely adapted into stage and film versions and remains a significant work in American literature.
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• Mentioned in 77 episodes
The grapes of wrath
John Steinbeck
Published in 1939, 'The Grapes of Wrath' is a powerful and poignant novel by John Steinbeck.
It tells the story of the Joad family, Oklahoma tenant farmers who are forced to leave their home after the devastating effects of the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression.
The novel follows their arduous journey along Route 66 to California, where they face numerous hardships, including poverty, exploitation, and the loss of family members.
The book explores themes of family, survival, and the struggle for human dignity in the face of overwhelming adversity.
It also delves into the broader social and economic issues of the time, highlighting the conflict between the powerful and the powerless.
Steinbeck's work is known for its vivid portrayal of the human condition and its impact on American literature and society.
#1275
• Mentioned in 31 episodes
Farewell to Arms
Ernest Hemingway
A Farewell to Arms is a semiautobiographical novel that captures the harsh realities of war and the pain of lovers caught in its sweep.
The story follows Lieutenant Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver on the Italian front, and his passionate relationship with Catherine Barkley, an English nurse.
The novel interweaves themes of love, war, loyalty, and desertion, reflecting Hemingway's own experiences as an ambulance driver during World War I. The book is known for its vivid and deeply felt portrayal of war and its impact on individuals, as well as Hemingway's distinctive writing style that emphasizes immediacy and simplicity.
We are thrilled to welcome Susan Shillinglaw, the preeminent John Steinbeck scholar, to discuss one of Hemingway’s contemporaries and fellow Nobel laureates.
Although Hemingway and Steinbeck are not discussed comparatively as frequently as some of his other fellow literary titans, Prof. Shillinglaw talks about Steinbeck’s life, career, and temperament in ways that will inspire us to remap the overlaps between these two men. We explore Steinbeck’s fondness for “The Butterfly and the Tank,” Hemingway and Steinbeck’s different paths during the 1930s, the way The Red Pony’s Jody Tiflin functions as a Nick Adams-like character, and much more.
Make sure to tune in to the very end of the episode! In honor of Steinbeck, our friend Michael Kim Roos treats us to a version of Woody Guthrie’s “Tom Joad.” For more information about Mike’s music, see: https://mikeroos.com.