This activity can be used before and after students read the novella. Start by explaining to students that the book's name is taken from a scene in William Shakespeare's "Macbeth" in which the title character prepares to kill Duncan while the "moon is down." Explore why Steinbeck may have chosen to use this reference and ask students to predict what they think might happen in the story. Write down any comments and thoughts. After students read the novella, brainstorm this question again. Compare this set of answers to those from the pre-reading session. Discuss any differences in students' ideas about this reference now that they have read and understood the story.
This activity will help students to think critically about the main characters from "The Moon is Down." Start by dividing the class into five groups and assign each group one of the following characters: Colonel Lanser, Mayor Orden, Annie, Doctor Winter and Lieutenant Tonder. Each group must now prepare a short, five-minute presentation on their assigned character. The presentation should include information on the character's life, personality, relationships with others and how the events in the story directly affect him. Encourage students to use references to support their ideas.
The occupation of the town in the "The Moon is Down" is very similar in character to the one that occurred in Norway in 1940. In this activity, students complete an independent research project to find out about the Nazi occupation of Norway. They should include details of the invasion and what life was like for the Norwegians living under Nazi control. Each student should also prepare a short, one-page report to accompany the project on the similarities between the situation in Norway and Steinbeck's descriptions of the occupation throughout "The Moon is Down." Encourage students to support their findings with relevant quotations from the book.
Steinbeck ended the novella with a direct quote from the classical text, "Apology of Socrates," by Plato. Socrates was brought to trial for refusing to recognize the gods of the state and corrupting the youth; he was found guilty and sentenced to death. The final words Socrates uttered are those used by Mayor Orden to end the book. In this activity, students should write a one-page reflection on why Steinbeck chose to use these words. A brainstorming session beforehand may be useful in helping students to generate some ideas. Address the similarities between speeches that Socrates made to the youth and Mayor Orden's refusal to order an end to the resistance. After writing, have students share their thoughts with the rest of the class.