Use of Aphorisms in Steinbecks The Winter of Our Discontent :: essays research papers

In tail Steinbecks classic novel The Winter of Our Discontent, sensation can queue up many another(prenominal) another(prenominal) general truths and principles, also known as aphorisms. Ethan Allen Hawley, the main character, seems to pay the reader with another aphorism at the turn of every page, entirely some of these sayings may be considered more than remarkable than others. One of the more noteworthy aphorisms is a statement made by Ethan at the shoemakers last of chapter 6 To be alive at all is to have loots. plot of ground this may not be the theme that Steinbeck concentrates on the most, it is surely star of the most important. Ethan is the most prominent example of this, as he has suffered many misfortunes in his life. Every other mature character in the hold back also carries these emotional scars scars on ones morality, character, and soul. Perhaps what the origin was trying to convey is that from the moment one is born, one knows pain and suffering. Howeve r, many of these wounds heal with m, and be fall the scars of the past. Ethan compares the scars that his lack of morality forget bring to the scars that his bankruptcy has produced, but the truth is that these are not scars at all, but injuries that time will not heal, and conscience will only make worse. His wounds will never mend, they will weigh down on him until drastic measures must(prenominal) be taken to escape the constant reminders of what he has done. Ethan considers and then about commits suicide, but he realizes that no matter what he has done, his daughter unavoidably him above anything else. So he must go on living, scar after scar becoming layers upon layers of discontent on his heart. Every tender being on earth accumulates scars of this nature. From errors made in the past come forth blemishes on the soul that serve as permanent reminders of ones mistakes, and the scars provide maps to roads not to be taken again.