The Winter of Our Discontent (John Steinbeck)

Winter of Our Discontent, meaning either:
1) That season when we were so discontented.
2) The end of the era of our discontent, quickly to be renewed with a spring of happiness

Who knows. I think that Steinbeck purposefully wants his reader to ponder that notion when reading about Ethan Hawley, a man of prestigious descent but with the humble job of shopkeeper and a family who craves more. If success is monetary and success is "good," then why are Ethan's "good" deeds not bringing him prosperity? Shouldn't he then do the "bad" things to be the "good" guy? A story for anyone who enjoys pondering such questions, such questions where it is not the answer that is important but only the asking. A story for anyone who wondered what it would be like, just how would it feel, how would it be accomplished, to rob a bank. Shhh. Don't give it away now.