In Dubious Battle Setting & Symbolism

In Dubious Battle Objects/Places

Symbolic Objects

Many of the objects in the story have symbolic meanings, as Steinbeck was writing the modern "everyman" drama. A simple cup of coffee symbolizes wealth and wellbeing. Candles burning brightly or guttering out convey life or death. Roosters crowing call for new beginnings, and the owl that flies over Jim's head portends death. Tinned food, especially peaches, which were very expensive, are a symbol of ongoing nourishment, carefully kept for when it is urgently needed.

Harry Nilson's Office

Harry Nilson's office is the standard sparse field office of all spy fiction. It may have been quite real when this book was written, as secrecy and mobility was of paramount importance for the fledgling American Communist Party.

The Train Car

The train car setting gives readers an interval within which we can get to know Mac and Jim as they get to know each other. That they ride in a boxcar instead of taking a bus with...
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