Steinbeck's upbringing in Salinas Valley

John Steinbeck was born in 1902 in Salinas, California, a region characterized by its agricultural richness and diverse communities. Growing up in a farming family, he shared a close connection to the land, which greatly influenced his writing. Salinas Valley's vivid landscapes and the struggles of its workers shaped his understanding of human nature and social issues. His experiences among the local migrant laborers and the economic challenges of the Great Depression informed many of his novels. Steinbeck's upbringing fostered a deep empathy for the working class, themes that resonate throughout his acclaimed works like "The Grapes of Wrath."