John Steinbeck is renowned for his literary style, which often combined realism with deep compassion for the human condition. His works typically feature richly drawn characters, reflecting the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression. Steinbeck employed naturalism, focusing on societal issues, while also incorporating elements of folk tradition and creating vivid settings. His prose is marked by a strong sense of place and dialogue that captures the essence of American life. Through novels like The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men, he explored themes of survival, community, and the American Dream.