Literary Influences:
* Jack London: Steinbeck admired London's raw realism and his depictions of hardship and survival, particularly in works like "The Call of the Wild" and "Sea Wolf."
* Ernest Hemingway: Steinbeck was drawn to Hemingway's spare, direct prose and his emphasis on masculinity and stoicism.
* William Faulkner: Steinbeck recognized Faulkner's masterful use of Southern dialect and his exploration of complex characters and family histories.
* Mark Twain: Steinbeck admired Twain's ability to capture the vernacular and humor of everyday Americans, as seen in "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."
* Walt Whitman: Steinbeck was influenced by Whitman's celebration of the common man and his exploration of American democracy in poems like "Song of Myself."
* Theodore Dreiser: Steinbeck learned from Dreiser's naturalism and his portrayal of social injustices, as seen in "An American Tragedy."
Other Influences:
* The Bible: Steinbeck frequently employed biblical allusions and themes in his work, drawing parallels between the struggles of his characters and biblical figures.
* Classical Literature: Steinbeck was familiar with classical literature, drawing inspiration from Greek myths and tragedies.
* The California Landscape: The landscapes and people of California deeply impacted Steinbeck's writing, shaping his portrayal of the American West and its social issues.
* Social and Political Movements: Steinbeck was aware of social and political movements of his time, such as the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, and he reflected these realities in his works.
It's important to note that Steinbeck was not simply an imitator of these influences. He developed his own unique style and voice, blending realism, symbolism, and social commentary to create his impactful and enduring literary works.