John Steinbeck - Champion of the Downtrodden?

In his writing John Steinbeck was a champion of the downtrodden - a man of high principles
and a fierce critic of those who used their power in heavy-handed ways.

But in his personal life, he was very different – blunt, selfish, a hard-drinker prone to bouts of
depression, with a distinct mean streak.

A complicated and contradictory man who was incensed by injustice yet could be surly, self-
obsessed and chillingly inconsiderate with his own family.

Steinbeck disapproved of enquiring too deeply into the personal lives of writers, insisting
there were more important matters on which to focus, but probably all too aware of the
skeletons in his closet.

None bigger than his treatment of first wife Carol Henning.

Should we be concerned with the personal lives of great artists and writers… what do you
think?

[onawal]

Like Einstein, like Camus. Lofty ideals are easier than being a decent human.

[davidsaroea]

That's how we all are... I'll help a homeless person but be mean to my own family

[maryeliason]

Really love his writing but sounds like I wouldn't want a relationship with him!