Charles Monroe Schulz And The Peanuts Gang

Have you ever heard of the Peanuts Gang? Characters like Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus, and of course, Snoopy? Well, the most interesting thing that you’ve never heard is the story behind them. The creator, Charles Monroe Schulz, has had many things in his life influence the creation of his wonderful comic. There have also been many reasons for America’s interest in the Peanuts gang. The inspiration and popularity all have a story behind them, which is what you're about to learn.

First, however, you must learn about the comic’s creator and author, Charles Monroe Schulz. He was born November 26, 1922 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His dad, Carl Schulz, was a barber and his mom was named Dena. Schulz went to school in St. Paul, where he was very smart and moved up in school. Because he wasn’t in the normal grade for his age, he was small compared to the rest of the people in his class,”...that may have been of psychological significance in his later development.” He also spent time in the army in WWII, and when he came home, he was a sergeant (Encyclopedia). His mother had cancer, and she eventually died from it on March 1, 1943 (Michaelis). Charles Schulz married in 1949 to Joyce Halverson, then had a divorce in 1972, after having five kids: “Meredith, Charles Monroe, Craig, Amy, and Jill.” After his divorce, in 1973, Jean Clyde became his wife. Charles Schulz had many sports he liked to play in his free time. Some of his favorites were hockey, golf, and tennis. (Encyclopedia). Unfortunately, Schulz died in his sleep on February 12, 2000 in Santa Rosa, California (Encyclopedia) from colon cancer. He died the day before his retirement letter and final comic were published worldwide the next day on February 13, containing the memorable mom...

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...hy also writes,"the quirks and defects of humanity in general were reflected by Schulz' gentle humor, which constituted the appeal of the cartoon to the public, as it pinpointed our own adult weaknesses in a diminished and entertaining form, with a dash of pathos."

All in all, the story of Charles Schulz' inspiration and rise to popularity all come from his life and people's ability to relate to his comic. The Mall of America even used to be Camp Snoopy, which opened in 1992. But, it unfortunately closed after a “licensing dispute between the mall and United Media, which controls the rights to the Peanuts brand…” (McAuliffe). Now you can find fruit snacks, coffee mugs, holiday specials, and even apps about Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Gang. The Peanuts is a memorable gang, that will continue to live out its fame, long after their creator's passing.