Response To John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice And Men'

1044 Words5 Pages

Of Mice and Men - text response

The classic novella Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck during the time of the Great Depression, captivates audiences with its carefully chosen narrative techniques. The author uses techniques such as foreshadowing; which helps keep the readers engaged. Steinbeck's clever use of symbolism gives the readers a double meaning behind the original text by using symbolism and stylistic devices to help the readers discover the second meaning. This technique adds depth within the text. Steinbeck successfully uses imagery to help the readers understand the characters. These techniques effectively allow the readers to emphasise with the characters and their situations.

Throughout the novella Of Mice and Men, …show more content…

Animals represent Lennie because, like all animals, innocent. The first example of animal imagery describes Lennie as 'snorting into the water like a horse' Pg3. The author describes the way Lennie is drinking from the River, it is a simile. Lennie is also like a horse because he is playful and childlike, which links to his mental illness which causes him to be as childish as he is. A lot Lennie's actions are bear like, such as down at the Salinas River, 'Lennie dabbled his big paw' Pg3 Next Lennie is described as a bear because of his big appearance and super strength. Thirdly, Steinbeck explains that Lennie is like a terrier because he likes to hold onto things; which links to why he couldn't let go of Curley's wife's hair. Steinbeck uses the quotation 'Slowly like a terrier who doesn't want to bring a ball to its master.' Pg10 To show that Lennie only let's go when told by his master, George even if he doesn't want to. This was proven first with the mouse at the River and again when Curley punched Lennie and George shouted 'get 'im Lennie!' Pg71 resulting in Lennie grabbing and consequently breaking Curley's hand. This proves Lennie is completely loyal to George just like a dog in this case a terrier is loyal to its master as shown in the first …show more content…

All of the techniques in the novella were cleverly written. Steinbeck has successfully engaged his readers and given them an insight to the life of an itinerant worker during the Great Depression. The way Steinbeck wrote Of Mice and Men; how the story unfolded, rather than being read of to the the audience is truly magical. The readers can feel like they are apart of Lennie and George's dream and knew what it was like to on the ranch. Of Mice and Men is a warning to today's readers that it impossible to try to change