What is the author's style in The Winter of Our Discontent by John Steinbeck?

The novel was written in 1960 and published in 1961, and the language reflects many ideas that were topical at the time. Ethan wants his wife to be a part of the decision making process concerning her money, but she tends to be old fashioned and wants the men to decide. Ethan's language is that of a well-read and intelligent man, and he reasons out problems using his religious, university, and military training. Ethan tends to use a large vocabulary, especially when addressing the canned goods at the store, and quotes from poetry, Shakespeare, and the Bible when he is being sarcastic with his wife and family. Ethan gives Mary a variety of pet names, which sometimes marginalizes her in the eyes of the reader.