Cannery Row

In his book Cannery Row, John Steinbeck characterizes different qualities of life, and uses symbolism to express those qualities. Cannery Row is an emphasis on the importance of friendship, and how the hardships of life can be healthy in some ways. Although the story’s characters represent certain aspects of life, such as corruption and simplicity, the specific symbols in the book are more obvious and apparent. Cannery Row itself is a symbol for the …

…a story about the common bond that all people share; it’s about the camaraderie felt by the citizens of the town. They are all loyal to each other, and because of their purity they are all completely satisfied with their lives, no matter how poorly they live. The story emphasizes the significance of friendship, and how a simple society untouched by the world can function as well as, and sometimes better than any other.