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Figurative Language In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

604 Words3 Pages

Written in 1937, Of Mice and Men has become one of the most read—and most debated—novellas of all time. The story begins with two friends, George and Lennie, who embark on a journey working towards their American Dream. George protects Lennie, a large, powerful but mentally disabled man, from the harassment and cruel teasing of those who are too ignorant to know better. George and Lennie’s dream is to find a place of their own, where they can live in peace and dignity, but this dream is shattered by Lennie’s innocent violence. The end of book involves George killing Lennie for a ‘mistake’ he made earlier. Although the book’s ending is tragic, the thematic elements, figurative language, and other literary devices used within make the book the true American classic it has become. …show more content…

The first standard addressed allows students to “determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings…” (CCSS.ELA.RL 9-10.4). Since the student’s prior unit focused on poetry, this Common Core Standard will further the student’s knowledge in figurative language—specifically, symbolism—and connotative meaning. Students need to know the difference between the two types of language because it will later help them decipher the tone and mood of other texts, conversations, etc. once they’re out of the realm of education. Of Mice and Men contains both symbolism and other figurative language devices. The novel allows teachers to explain these concepts in a way that students will understand wholly and witness while reading the text. Throughout the unit, students will have an array of materials explaining various figurative language concepts, further developing their

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One of John Steinbeck most notable works, Of Mice and Men, a novella based on American life in the 1910s, tells the story of George and Lennie. Two ranch workers based in California who travel around the state trying to find work during the Great Depression. As George and Lennie are hired at a new farm, concepts such as friendship and violence appear in the novella. Steinbeck develops these ideas using elements such as imagery, syntax, and details. Towards the end of chapter one, Lennie and George had gotten into an argument, an argument bad enough for Lennie to suggest that he leaves.

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