Essay Questions

All is vanity, and there is a needy to do what is good always because no one is immortal. Using the novel 'The Winter of Our Discontent' show how Steinbeck tackles the issue of vanity.

Throughout the book, the author explains how Ethan struggles to regain his glory after losing their fortune. Ethan was used to a good life that provided all the luxuries that he needed in this world. After losing everything, Ethan started coming up with evil schemes to be prosperous again. Firstly, he befriended the wealthy owner of a grocery store before secretly reporting to the authorities that he is a foreigner without proper documentation. The police investigated and deported the grocery store owner. As a sign of gratitude, the grocery owner handed over the grocery ownership to Ethan without knowing that he was behind his downfall. Secondly, Ethan came up with a dubious scheme to defraud his alcoholic friend, Danny and took his entire inheritance. As a result, Ethan became very rich again, but he was full of guilt because he falsely acquired his wealth. Ethan's immoral actions began to haunt him, and he decided to kill himself. Consequently, all is vanity, and there is no need to engage in evil acts to have earthly possessions.

How does the theme of gluttony and social pressure emerge in the novel 'The Winter of Our Discontent?'

Ethan is the protagonist of the novel, and he is depicted as an individual who is struggling to reclaim his lost societal status. To reclaim his societal position, Ethan plans a bank robbery, but it fails miserably. Ethan is angry about power, and he knows that the only way he can influence society is by becoming very rich. After the bank robbery failure, Ethan manages to kick out a grocery store owner and takes his possessions. Later, Ethan inherits Danny's wealth using an unconvincing scheme. Therefore, Ethan is doing all these immoral actions to become rich and have control in society.

How does the author illustrate that Ethan and his son have similar traits?

Towards the end of the story, the author introduces Ethan's son, who has just plagiarized his essay to win a competition. Ethan's son wants to use shortcuts to attain success because he does not wish to follow the right path and truth. When Ethan realizes that his son has plagiarized an essay, he confronts him, but the son justifies his actions. Consequently, the reader concludes that both Ethan and his son are fond of using dubious means to attain success.