Thesis: The Red Pony is truly a great work of literature because it is a classic, continuously inspires literary criticism with its symbolic implications, and comprises of opposing themes of birth and death that influence the development and maturation of Jody’s character.
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Literary criticism evoked by The Red Pony is a sheer sign of its greatness. For example, in the introduction, John Seeyle notes the balance Steinbeck creates through engraving symbolism throughout the novella. Seeyle writes, “Critical comment frequently refers to the symbolic implication of the otherwise realistically described landscape, the balance between the range of ‘jolly’ mountains to the East- the Gabilans, for which Jody names his pony- and the dark, foreboding “Great Ones” in the West, …show more content…
His use of incompletion is remarkable, adding feeling to the stories. Critics note Steinbeck’s ability to create “subtle meanings through very ordinary experiences and characters with great beauty and preciseness.” Additionally, “the precise, beautiful handling of words, [and] equally precise and exact placing of scenes” create an exact, lovely balance as a whole. (http://sits.sjsu.edu/curriculum-resources/the-red-pony/critical-reception/) Steinbeck’s integration of meaning throughout his work is distinguishable in its elegance and simplicity. The ordinary experiences in the novel are relatable, and therefore,