John Steinbeck’s early life had a profound impact on his literary themes. Growing up in Monterey, California, he was exposed to the struggles of migrant workers and the harsh realities of the American landscape. This background inspired his deep empathy for the working class, evident in novels like "The Grapes of Wrath" and "Of Mice and Men". Steinbeck’s observations of social inequality and the pursuit of the American Dream informed his narrative style and character development. His experiences during the Great Depression further intensified his focus on themes of survival, community, and resilience, establishing him as a voice for social justice in American literature.