Abstract

Drawing on the perspectives provided by the Polysystem Theory, and holding that the shaping of cultural identity is a process of cross-cultural interaction (Jola Škulj), we purport to examine the influence of John Steinbeck's writings on Marin Preda’s early short-stories through an analysis of the critical references that testify to it, and a comparative study of relevant passages from their works. In exploring the impact of the translations from the American author on the Romanian literary repertoire, reference will also be made to the historical context of the critical reception.