How Does Steinbeck Create A Paradise In Of Mice And Men

John Steinbeck creates a paradise in the opening setting of his novel, Of Mice and Men. This paradise setting is in the middle of a forest and contains a pool of sparkling water, many animals, and many trees. Sitting still and quiet, these animals and trees are at rest before two men, who are named George and Lennie, walk into the place. Steinbeck uses diction, imagery, and figurative language to create a peaceful, calm, and tranquil atmosphere in the opening setting of the novel.
Steinbeck opens the novel by describing the setting, which has many trees surrounding a pool of water. Steinbeck uses diction when he uses the words “warm,” “slipped,” “twinkling,” “yellow,” and “sunlight” to describe how the pool of water looks (1). These words are warm, welcoming, and magical and make the water seem special. Describing the water, which is the main focus of the opening setting, as enchanting, Steinbeck starts to create a peaceful, calm, and magical atmosphere in the opening setting of the novel.

Steinbeck states there are trees on the border of the river, and under them “the trees the leaves lie deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering if he runs among them” (1). Using imagery, Steinbeck provides specific details about the edge of the water, such as the “leaves lie deep and so crisp” and “a lizard makes a great skittering.” The leaves must have been untouched and in this place for a long time because there is a thick, dry pile of them. This implies they have been at rest and have not been disturbed. Additionally, a small lizard can make a lot of noise, so the place must be very quiet. Because he describes the leaves as being untouched and the place as a very quiet setting through imagery, Steinbeck creates a peaceful, calm