Perspectives

Literary perspectives

Published in 1938, the short story “Breakfast” by John Steinbeck fits the literary movement called realism, which developed in the 19th and early 20th century. Realist works can be recognized through themes, context, and narrative techniques. In “Breakfast”, John Steinbeck explores the themes of contentment and kindness, and of hardship and resilience.

In terms of realist narrative techniques, Steinbeck uses a first-person narrator, descriptive language that focuses on specific details about the physical setting and the characters’ appearance and actions, and symbolism that hints at the deeper meanings of the story. These techniques help Steinbeck explore the struggle of migrant workers, showing how they lived and what they dealt with.

This is typical of realist works, as they usually present the realities of society and ...