How Does Steinbeck Use Power In Of Mice And Men

Abraham Lincoln once said, “Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power”. Power has the ability to test the way people behave. Power doesn’t just affect one person, it influences the behavior of others. Power has a toll on people that can affect them in a negative or positive way. John Steinbeck wrote a fictional novel, Of Mice and Men which takes place on a farm. Two migrant workers struggle to find their place on the ranch. Steinbeck uses conflict, imagery and tone to convey how characters exercise their power over one another. Some characters use their power to help the weaker people on the ranch, but others like to use their power to take advantage over them. Because power has such a strong

Steinbeck shows us this use of power through imagery. Curley's wife is given power by the way she looks and gains respect from the men because she is Curley's wife. Even though she a women, she gains respect from the men when, “ wore a cotton house dress and red mules, on the instep of which were little bouquets of red ostrich feathers” (31). Therefore, Steinbeck shows uses imagery to show how Curley's wife uses her appearance to get the other men to do what she wants. The way she is described, in her red short dress gives her power to manipulate weaker men who are blinded by her looks and beauty. Imagery shows us Curley's Wife can use her image to get what she wants. A second example of how Steinbeck uses imagery to show Curley's wife using her power for egotistical reasons is when, she is looking for Curley's in the bunkhouse. Even though she isn’t allowed in the bunkhouse no man tells on her because she seems so sweet and innocent. She deceives the men when, “ Her face was made up and the little sausage curls were all in place” (84). So, Imagery is used to show that Curley's Wife cares about her image to look nice for all the guys on the ranch. Her image shows that she likes to look good to get attention from the other ranch workers. A final example, of how Steinbeck uses imagery to show that Curley's wife uses her power for selfish

Steinbeck uses tone, to show how Slim uses power for good reasons. Slim is given power through his job on the ranch, and the other men respect him. Although, Curley and Curley’s wife us their power for selfish reasons, Slim uses his power for the greater good. Steinbeck shows the readers this through tone. Slim likes to help out the other guys on the ranch and he is a good role model to the other ranch workers. Slim shows this leadership when, “...he moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsman” (33). Therefore, tone is used to show that Slim is a good role model for the other men, and uses his power to get them to listen to him. Steinbeck describes Slim as a prince, this personality he os given, get's him respect from the others. Tone shows that's his personality affects the other men, and he is role model to his coworkers. Another example, of how tone is used to show Slim uses his power for good, is when we first meet Slim. Slim has a presence that is noticed by the other men. Slim doesn't boast about his power he is modest. The reader can see this when, “... gravity in his manner and so quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke” (33). So, Slim has a power over the men, that Steinbeck shows us through his description. Tone gives Slim the attention he gets from the other men. Tone gives him the ability to