How Does Steinbeck Use Animal Imagery In Of Mice And Men

In the book Of Mice and Men Steinbeck uses symbolism to illustrate key aspects of the novella. The book portrays people struggling to survive during the great depression. An example of symbolism is Steinbeck's use of animal imagery, which can almost be considered anthropomorphic. He then uses this technique to support some of the characters idiosyncrasies and situations. An important factor to take into account is that only George and Lennie are developed characters. Other characters can be easily categorized into archetypes due to their simplicity. Characters names are generally metaphors, for example Lennie Small. Whilst he is physically large, he lacks mental complexity and his aptitude for reasoning is limited. Steinbeck uses a large variety

Steinbeck uses animal imagery extensively to cultivate sophistry in the characters. The employment of this technique is majorly hinted even in the title Of Mice and Men. As foreshadowed, mice are a metaphor. They represent the hope of safety for Lennie. [insert quote of dead mouse] Despite this the first mouse that is found is dead, crushing this dream in a metaphorical sense. Not only this, but Lennie keeps it in his pocket to pet. This could indicate that Lennie cares for comfort over death, and thusly implying that a death by his friend was righteous. Another metaphorical interpretation of mice is their smallness, which is similar to Lennie's own smallness. Mice are vulnerable due to their inferior size, and Lennie is both insecure and vulnerable due to his own mental inferiority. Mice are important to Lennie because he maintains a subliminal connection

Steinbeck uses the colour red to symbolise many things, such as danger and in some interpretations, a seductress. Essentially this is what Curley's wife is, she is a seductress or a siren [Insert quote about Curley's wife seducing traits] . [Insert quote about discrimination against women] Curley's wife represents the powerlessness of females in this time period, but more so due to the amount of masculine males she's surrounded by. Thus she wears red to draw the attention of said men, and thusly gains some shred of control over her life. Her plight can be likened to the biblical genesis. She does not even have a name, such is her powerlessness, yet she can quintessentially be considered symbolic for biblical Eve, bringing sin and temptation into the world. Steinbeck employs the colour red to show the danger Curley's wife shows. In contrast Steinbeck not only uses colour as a symbol, but