Of Mice and Men is a book worth reading and teaching. This is the claim that Thomas Scarseth uses as he analyzes the book. He analyzes the book of two men, in the depths of the Great Depression, striving for companionship and the American Dream. He argues that the book portrays reality, has good structure, and makes the reader learn about morals and themes.
The first point that Scarseth makes is that the book portrays reality. This includes life’s ups and downs, people, and environment. “What is ennobling in this tragedy of mice and men is the Revelation of a way beyond that loneliness and meanness and fighting, a way to rise above our human limitations”. In this quote, he is talking about how humans still tread and conquer challenges. This
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Scarseth is right in the fact that humans will act upon a set of real life challenges. And so, I do agree with him that the book is so teachable because of its reality portrayal. The scenes in Crooks room – of his characterization and discontent heart with the lashings of his past. Lennie and George, having a dream, but overcome with the limitations – having to set what they believe in aside. Of Mice and Men is truly a book of real life situations.
His second point is that the story has good structure. “It allows a reader – especially an untrained or beginning reader of literature – to see how structure supports and presents content”. He mentions how it not only is simple enough for the young, but it is more complex for people who think through it. This is something that Einstein once said is a great gift – the ability to reach all levels of audience. This structure allows for set, but complex characters, setting, and plot to evolve from it. Basically, the ultimate outline. I agree with Scarseth’s point. The story flows neatly, yet complexly throughout. From the writing in the characters that allows them to be much more than just “people”; to the plot that gives twists and turns such as many great classics. The plot is so structured that it helps anyone understand