MOON IS DOWN, THE

by Steinbeck, John

Set in an unknown town that has just been occupied by a small regiment of enemy soldiers, the Mayor of the town agrees to meet with the enemy to try to work out a plan for peaceful coexistence between the soldiers and townspeople before the impending war goes much further. The enemy establishes a command base in his residence, making life for the Mayor rather difficult as the townspeople suspect his allegiance has changed. As the invasion and eventual occupation develops, the soldiers grapple with loneliness, spite and the hate directed at them which begins to wear down their emotions. When all else fails, the soldiers look to the Mayor, who has secretly emerged as a leader of the resistance group in town, as a last hope for them to win their war and sway the townspeople towards their side. Although at first unwilling, the Mayor accepts his execution at the hands of the enemy, knowing he will give incentive to his people to keep fighting for freedom.