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was on the basis of influencing “American’s mind”. Although the first chapter merely describes what could happen when an invading army proclaims “mission
accomplished” because of undemocratic and inhumane oppression, it can be considered a novel of war propaganda. The way John Steinbeck used the novel as
American Propaganda aroused my curiosity to find further evidences.
B. Problem Formulation
I formulate two main problems as follow: 1. What are the influences of the Nazi invaders on the local society in John
Steinbeck’s The Moon is Down? 2. How does John Steinbeck use The Moon is Down as an American
Propaganda?
C. Objectives of the Study
The first objective is to reveal the influences of the invaders on the local society in John Steinbeck’s The Moon is Down. Thus, the analysis deals with the
changes of society by describing the particular factors that urge the townspeople to behave in such a way. In this case, the factors are from the Nazi invaders’
behaviours. The second objective is to find out how John Steinbeck uses The Moon is
Down as an American Propaganda. The analysis will focus more on the characters especially from the major characters both the protagonist and the antagonist, by
considering their attitudes, opinions, and struggle as the basis of the analysis. PLAGIAT MERUPAKAN TINDAKAN TIDAK TERPUJI
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Then, the observation is related to the real situation in Europe during World War II when the novel was written.
D. Benefits of the Study
This study may help the readers to understand the story in its historical context better. By having the historical knowledge in reading this novel, the
readers can obtain the values from this novel, so it will become richer and meaningful. Through the characters’ experiences and struggle during the Nazi
occupation, the readers can find not only the aesthetic values, but also the values of life.
This study also provides the readers, including the educator, especially English teachers and the learners, an insight to consider and treat a work of
literature more meaningfully as a medium to bridge what we think about life and human beings with what others might think and imagine through their work of art.
The value of this novel can also be used as a guidance to better understanding of socio-cultural aspect in our surrounding. Further, this study may also give
contribution to other researchers who want to explore this novel. This study also gives benefits to me as the thesis writer. This study gives
me meaningful values of life and new knowledge about the social life of World War II. Therefore, the new knowledge helps me to have better understanding on
this novel and better appreciation to the literary works. By reading this novel, I realize that a literary work is more than just a written interesting story. Each story
in the novel has a deeper meaning which can teach us in facing our daily life, because a literary work is an imitation of human life.
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F. Definition of Terms
