Symbolism in The Moon Is Down

‘The girl looked up, for the room had suddenly darkened, and she seemed to be afraid. “It’s a cloud,” she said. “There’s word snow is on the way, and it’s early, too.” Doctor Winter went to the window and squinted up at the sky, and he said, “Yes, it’s a big cloud; maybe it will pass over” (Steinbeck, 44). There is a lot of hidden symbolism in The Moon is Down, but this particular example was one that I found to have a deeper meaning. I believe that the characters are comparing Alex Morden’s trial, and the fighting and death ahead of them to a snow cloud. At first this comparison sounds odd, but as I re-read this particular part, I started to find the reason and meaning for this particular symbolism. This small paragraph is spoken by Molly Morden, Alex’s wife, at a random time during her visit with the Mayor and Doctor Winter, so it stood out to me. The “snow” that both Molly and Winter mention is referring to the time when the people will begin to rebel against the invaders. Because both Molly and Winter know Alex will die, they think that the people will start uprising against the invaders. “Snow is on the way” is Molly’s way of saying that she thinks it won’t be long before the people begin to resist. Doctor Winter comments and says “maybe it will pass over” because he doesn’t know if they will actually do anything, or if they will wait longer. Later, after Lanser tells the Mayor that Alex will be shot and that Orden must pass judgment and go along with it, he says “It will snow tonight.” (Steinbeck, 47). Furthering the assumption that Alex’s death will ignite the uprising within the people. Everyone is pretty much just waiting to see what will happen. The Mayor, Winter, and Molly know the people will rebel soon, but they aren’t sure when. They represent this thought with their talk of a looming snow cloud, full of snow and waiting to let loose on the town. They know that with this “snow” death and a lot of fighting and struggle will come, along with Alex Morden’s execution. At the end of the chapter, Mayor Orden speaks one last melancholy phrase referring to the ‘snow cloud’. “It’s started to snow. It didn’t wait for night. I like the sweet, cool smell of the snow.” (Steinbeck, 50). At this point, Orden finds that there is no more persuading Lanser to spare Morden. He will die, and his death will spark the beginning of the rebellion. He is sure of it. Later in the story we find out that he was indeed correct. The cloud let the snow loose, and it fell on the town.

Steinbeck, John. Moon Is Down. N.p.: Penguin Group, 1942. Print.