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Steinbeck begins the novel by introducing the reader to two characters wandering into a clearing. The long descriptive passage introduces the readers to the setting which creates an idyllic scene by using nature imagery. The passage establishes a sense of purity and perfection by utilizing nature imagery. The imagery is used to describe a world in which nothing unnatural and evil occurs, leading the audience to form a conclusion of the setting based only on the beautiful description.
The relationship between George and Lennie is introduced by the first dialogue. The impression of the characters created by their relationship in the dialogue remains throughout the novel. We are immediately introduced to Lennie as a sweet and innocent character who demonstrates devotion toward George and enjoys petting soft animals; and to George as a character who creates unconvincing speeches about how much easier his life would be without Lennie however always concludes with his love and desire to protect Lennie.
Once George and Lennie arrive at the bunkhouse the purity and perfection of the world we have been introduced to is challenged by the difficulties in the character’s lives which suddenly become apparent. This section establishes the cruel nature of the characters’ world as they face many challenges. For example all the ranch hands sleep on rough burlap mattresses and George fears lice and roaches may infest his bunk.
As readers, we quickly become aware the ranch does not value the welfare of the weaker members as the ranch hands share the belief Candy should replace his old dog with a healthy newborn puppy. We conclude the ranch hands world has limited resources and only the strongest will survive. Slim (another ranch hand) voluntarily drowns the four weakest of his dog’s nine puppies, therefore solidifying the readers belief, there is no tolerance for the weak.
As the plot develops the readers are introduced to more of the ranch hands and by context establish Slim as the most trusted resource of wisdom within the bunk. George and Lennie have a conversation with Slim in which the author John Steinbeck establishes the origins of George and Lennie’s’ relationship. Their companionship began as a childhood relationship and grew. We learn George had a moral awakening as he became aware it was wrong to make a weaker person suffer for his enjoyment. This idea is contrary to the cruel nature of the ranch hands’ world. As the plot continues the death of Candy’s dog testifies to the process by which the strong attack the weak in the ranch hands’ world. Despite Candy’s emotional attachment to the dog allowing the dog to live out its days is not an option in this cruel environment and the group elects the animals weakness makes it unworthy to live. When Slim agrees with the other ranch hands he only confirms the world which they live in offers the weak no protection.
The scene in the barn begins ominously, as Lennie holds his puppy from (now dead) he strokes the puppy in a similar manner he did the mouse at the beginning of the work. The mouse was introduced to the readers in the initial passages of the book as a soft creature Lennie enjoyed petting for comfort as he hiked into the clearing. We now become aware the mouse signified a weak creature just as the puppy is weak.
When Curley’s wife appears in the barn insistent to talk with Lennie as she is lonely, the readers become aware something horrible is about to happen. As Lennie remains oblivious to his strength throughout the plot he kills Curley’s wife. Unable to control his need to stroke her soft hair Lennie is once again overwhelmed when he is not provided by instruction from George. He accidentally fails to release Curley’s wife resulting in her death. Such as times before George becomes aware of Lennie’s mistake however is filled with dread as he is unable to help Lennie. As the other ranch hands come on the scene they see Lennie as just a weak person who killed a woman and deserves to die.
Lennie follows Georges’ instructions from the beginning of the story which lead him to the opening in the woods. The nature imagery from the opening passages is repeated however the natural beauty is now described as “marred with the suffering of innocents”. Death comes quickly to the unaware and weak. When Lennie emerages for the woods the fate which awaits him is clear to the reader. The final scene between George and Lennie is filled with sadness however Lennie retains his “blissful ignorance” until the end.
In the novel Of Mice and Men I observed the use of symbolism as one of the strongest aspects of the work. John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men tells the story of farmworkers as they seek stability and share the American Dream. I choose to comment on symbolism within the text as I believe the symbols guide the reader through the plot by communicating the main themes in the text.
Of Mice and Men has continued to capture readers for many years as the characters are complex and all the characters play a major role in the novel. Below I have included a brief description of two characters which I believe symbolize a role or theme in the text. Lennie: Is a lumbering childlike worker who completely depends upon George. The two men share a vision of a farm they will one day own together and Lennie wholeheartedly believes in this vision. Lennie believes life is very simple and never understands his own strength.
He is the character who is “weak”. Throughout the novel his love for petting soft things leads to disaster. Each disaster allows the reader to understand Lennie’s’ role as a weak character on the ranch, and leads to him being killed by George. Lennie’s death at the end of the novel supports the ranch hands philosophy weakness makes anyone unworthy to live.
Curley’s Wife: Curley’s wife is the only female character who plays a significant role in the plot. She plays the role of a archetypal temptress within the plot to tempt the ranch hands and ultimately lure Lennie towards killing her. As a female character she is not given or referred to by name and characterized only by her beauty. For these reasons she is objected as she is not seen as a person.
As the only female she demonstrates women have little to no role in society however they have a influence in the mens’ lives. Her character represents the power women have over men. As she is a constant source of trouble and disturbance in the all the mens’ lives. Symbolism occurs continuously throughout the novel and I believe guides the reader through the plot by showcasing all the main ideas. In my opinion there are three main symbols in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. below I have listed and written a explanation of each of these symbols.
The farm George repeatedly describes to Lennie is one of the most powerful symbols in the novel. The reader alongside the characters want to believe in the idyllic life the farm represents. George’s description of the farm often focused on the plants and animals leads the reader to associate the nature imagery of the farm with the clearing in the woods; both settings symbolize paradise in the eyes of the reader and characters. As a paradise for men who want to control their own lives, the farm represents freedom and protection form the cruel nature of the world. Characters are immediately drawn to the dream of the farm which George and Lennie hope to own, first Candy then later Crooks.
The dream of the farm symbolizes “The American Dream” all the characters would have freedom and little responsibility. The farm would allow gearge to no longer care for Lennie and for Lennie to have rabbits to pet. This dream engages the readers and motivates them to accomplish their own dreams by demonstrating how the characters are motivated to work towards their dream. The farm plays a major role in the novel as it engages characters and readers with the common hope of fulfilling ones’ dream.
Animals play an important role in Of Mice and Men as they represent the victory of strong over weak. For example Lennie’s puppy is one of several animals who is killed by Lennie accidentally due to his failure to recognize and understand his own strength. Although Lennie is unmatched in physical strength he meets a similar fate as the puppy as he remains innocent, like an animal, of the cruel power surrounding him. Throughout the novel the small animals embody innocence therefore symbolizing the theme of innocence and weakness.
A second animal who plays a major role in the plot is Candy’s dog. Candy’s dog symbolizes the fate/destiny awaiting someone who has outlived their purpose on the ranch. The ranch hands electing to kill the mutt support the cruel law the strong will dispose of the weak. This symbol also foreshadows the tragic death of Lennie at the end of the book. George killing Lennie is a parallel to Carlson killing Candy’s dog.
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