Themes and message

Contentment and kindness

The theme of contentment and kindness is explored in the short story “Breakfast” by John Steinbeck in connection with the three strangers, who are quite probably a family of cotton pickers. They are happy that they have been working for the last 12 days (l. 56) and pleased that they have new clothes (ll. 57-59). Despite their implied hardship – not having steady work or a home and living in poor conditions – they do not complain. The woman is shown working steadily and skillfully while tending to her baby (ll. 17-23). Both she and the men seem grateful that their situation has improved a little.

Their contentment also means that they are able to appreciate the little they have. They live in the present moment and do not seem to let their uncertain future affect their state of mind. Furthermore, they are able to be kind and generous, sharing their temporary fortune with the narrator. The young man also offers to help the narrator get a job picking cotton (ll. 78-79). Because they know how difficult it is to gain employment, they seem to understand the importance of lending a helping hand.

The narrator also appears content, both while he shares breakf...