Final answer:
The author included the information about Steinbeck's character 'Doc' to illustrate the connection between Steinbeck's personal relationships, specifically with Edward Ricketts, and his literary creations, explaining why fans were interested in Ricketts' briefcase.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author included the information about Steinbeck's character 'Doc' in Cannery Row to illustrate the influence of actual individuals in an author's work, which in this case is the fictionalization of the marine biologist Edward Ricketts. Rather than being relevant to reasons concerning Steinbeck's archival photos with Lyndon B. Johnson, biographical permission for Jay Parini, or auction permissions for John Larson, it is more likely included to explain why Steinbeck's fans were interested in the briefcase that belonged to Edward Ricketts. Ricketts was a friend of Steinbeck and inspired one of his memorable characters, showing the connection between personal relationships and literary creation.
This connection enriches readers' understanding of Steinbeck's work by providing background biographical information, which assists in the appreciation and analysis of the literature. Authors often draw upon their experiences and the people around them to craft characters that have depth and realism. Knowing the inspiration behind a character can add layers of meaning for readers and enhance their engagement with the story.