The most significant theme explored in the text, “Of Mice and Men” is the American dream. Steinbeck’s effective use of emotive language helps convey his message that the dream is simply unattainable. This is relayed through a number of different language techniques including characterisation, setting and foreshadowing. Issues of loneliness and hopelessness are also significant throughout this tragic novel. One of the main language techniques Steinbeck uses to help get his ideas across to the readers is characterisation. The two main characters in the book are George and Lennie, who begun farm work in California during the great depression. It is evident that a mixture of both direct and indirect characterisation is found throughout the novel. Steinbeck frequently uses adjectives which helps aid in the direct characterisation of each individual character. During the novel you indirectly get a realisation of each characters personality by the way they speak and interact with one another. For example, Steinbeck describes the two main characters of the story in the first chapter of the book. He describes Lennie as a big, bulky guy, but then when Lennie eventually speaks you find out that he is in fact mentally handicapped and totally unaware of his strength. Steinbeck also goes on to characterise Crooks, the African-American stable hand. …show more content…
Steinbeck uses foreshadowing throughout the book to prepare the readers for the final chapter of the novel. Early on in the story, the events suggest a wide range of possibilities to the audience. But as the story progresses, the range narrows. In order for the impact of foreshadowing to be effective, the audience has to be both surprised by the climax of the story, whilst also finding it logical. Steinbeck uses foreshadowing in the course of “Of Mice and Men” by pulling together past events in the story to build up suspense to the final