This panel aims to explore the political, social, and economic significance of community in the works of John Steinbeck. Steinbeck’s works reflect a deep concern over the sicknesses of the United States—racism, economic inequality, and political upheaval to name a few—that were causing its people to be increasingly more isolated from one another. As Charles Johnson notes, “homelessness and loneliness… shape and direct the speech and actions of every character and situation that Steinbeck presents.” In both his fiction and non-fiction narratives, Steinbeck laments the wounds left by social and economic systems whose persistence hinges upon isolation and discord. Papers on this panel will analyze instances of community in Steinbeck’s works, including two-person friendships, political parties, groups of laborers, and families. In doing so, this panel aims to understand how Steinbeck uses these instances of community in order to critique the systems that oppress the vulnerable, the impoverished, and the racially marginalized.

This panel is seeking papers dedicated to the exploration of the political, social, and economic significance of community in the works of John Steinbeck. Papers on this panel will analyze instances of community in Steinbeck’s works, including two-person friendships, political parties, groups of laborers, and families. In doing so, this panel aims to understand how Steinbeck uses these instances of community in order to critique the systems that oppress the vulnerable, the impoverished, and the racially marginalized.

Submissions can be made directly to NeMLA's website.

https://cfplist.com/nemla/Home/S/22643

Email panel chair Samantha Covais (scovais1@binghamton.edu) with questions. Hybrid format available.

NeMLA, March 6-9 2027, Newport, RI