Significance Of Hands In Of Mice And Men

Some Handy Symbolism: Of Mice and Men Do you ever notice the small hidden symbols behind things in books? Likely not, because people typically just read the book for enjoyment. In the book Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, hands become an important symbol throughout the book. If you happen to know the meaning behind them, the book becomes much more interesting. George and Lennie, two very good friends, were described very differently in terms of hands. George is portrayed as having small, strong hands. Lennie, on the other hand, has been described multiple times as having “big paws”. The meaning behind hands in the book Of Mice and Men is crucial lin better understanding the book. Although hands don’t seem like an important thing to pay attention to while reading, some authors may be conveying a deeper meaning behind

Curly is depicted as a “mean little guy” by both Candy and George. During a conversation, the two state “The swamper warmed to his gossip. ‘You seen that glove on his left hand?’ ‘Yeah, I seen it.’ ‘Well, that glove’s fulla vaseline.’ ‘Vaseline? What the hell for?’ ‘Well, I tell ya what- Curley says he’s keepin’ that hand soft for his wife” (Page 14). The right hand is often expressed as the good hand, while the left is typically the evil. The fact that Curley is keeping his left hand soft for his wife could have a deeper meaning. Curley’s wife isn’t exactly treated fantastically, and the hand that Curley “saves” for his wife could be evidence supporting that. Another piece of evidence supporting the symbolism of the left hand could be found on page 30, “Lennie looked helplessly at George, and then he got up and tried to retreat. Curley was balanced and poised. He slashed at Lennie with his left hand, and then smashed down his nose with a right” (Page 30). Curley lead with his left hand, aiming to do damage to Lennie. Each time something drastic happens, it usually begins with the left