Analysis Of A Teachable Good Book: Of Mice And Men

The article “A Teachable Good Book: Of Mice and Men” by Thomas Scarseth highlights John Steinbeck’s reality about the pain of living in a complex world, and that tragedy is often inevitable. Although Of Mice and Men is often viewed as a sad story, it is a tragedy that shows humanity’s achievement of greatness through and in spite of defeat. For example, Crooks is an isolated African American man who is a victim of racial discrimination. In addition to that, Curley’s wife knows she deserves a better life, but has been summoned to a life on the farm. Lastly, the noble dream shared by George and Lennie is ruined by the complexities of the world around them. Not all literature can provide a happy ending, and oftentimes tragedy is unavoidable.

He is crippled by not only his horse injury, but he is, “...crippled by the punitive harshness of life” (Scarseth 4). Given his position in the world, it is difficult for him to achieve much. Crooks’ room is merely a space in the harness room of the farm. In the article, Scarseth talks about how in life we unfortunately have limitations. For Crooks, his limitations are his race and his disability. In the book, Lennie asks Crooks why he is not wanted in the bunkhouse; Crooks’ response is merely, “Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black” (Steinback 68). People may object to the book’s presentation of criticism of the social system, but Scarseth argues it is necessary because grossness is a way of presenting briefly the complex turmoil of

In the article, Thomas Scarseth says that depicting controversial scenes is part of John Steinbeck’s literary point that this is true to life. In Of Mice and Men, George takes on the role of Lennie’s caretaker. Together, they had a mutual dream of owning their own farm and living off the fat of the land. The little place of their own that George and Lennie dream of represents the paradise we all strive for. Unfortunately, this unhappy ending is not the conclusion George hoped for and represents the tragic realities life often has. Scarseth states, “What is sad, what is tragic, what is horrible is that the Dream may not come true because we are - each and all of us - too limited, too selfish, too much in conflict with one another” (Scarseth 5). To spare Lennie his death at the hands of Curley, George takes the responsibility on himself. After that, Slim says to George, “Never you mind. A guy got to sometimes (Steinbeck 107). Part of life is having to face tragic decisions and sacrifices in order to achieve a