Midnight at the Electric

The historical context of Midnight at the Electric includes depictions of World War I in Lenore’s timeline and the Dust Bowl in Catherine’s timeline.

Anderson uses Lenore’s timeline to provide a first-hand perspective of life in England during the immediate aftermath of World War I. Referred to contemporarily as the “Great War,” this conflict lasted over four years and remains one of the deadliest wars in human record, with nine million soldiers and eight million civilians killed. This large toll was partly due to the increased production of powerful tanks and weapons made possible by the recent Industrial Revolution. The inclusion in the book of Forest Row, a real village in southern England that now holds a memorial to commemorate a WWI training camp that was established in the area, underscores the effects of war on rural communities. Lenore’s letters, which emphasize her personal experiences and internal reactions, highlight the emotional and psychological effects of war. These letters convey the anxiety, grief, and disruptions experienced by civilians. Through Lenore’s perspective, readers witness the heartache of losing loved ones to war and the strain of maintaining normalcy during tumultuous times. The use of the letters further enhances the authenticity, contributing to the novel’s realistic tones.