Strengths And Weaknesses In Of Mice And Men

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Q3
How is symbolism used to show both strengths and weaknesses in Of Mice and Men?

In John Steinbeck's novel Of Mice and Men, symbolism is used to highlight both strengths and weaknesses of the characters. Throughout the novel, the characters are represented by various symbols that reflect their personalities and actions. The strength of George and Lennie's friendship is represented by the motif of the rabbits that Lennie loves. The rabbits represent the simple dream of a happy and peaceful life, a dream that is shared by both George and Lennie. On the other hand, Candy's dog symbolizes his weakness. The old and smelly dog is a metaphor for Candy's own life, which has been neglected and left behind. The death of the dog is symbolic of Candy's eventual …show more content…

Throughout the novel, the male characters treat her as an object rather than a human being as she is referred to as “Curley’s Wife”. Curley's wife is always portrayed as a playful girl, as well as being referred to as "jailbait" and a "tramp". For example, there is a moment when Curly commands his wife to get back into the house, Curly doesn’t give a second thought about her and does not allow her to speak back, Curly then continues to tell her after their marriage he now owns her. Near the end of the novel, after Lennie had killed Curley’s Wife. No one seems to care for her. This objectification of women is shown through the narrow-mindedness of the men on the ranch, who cannot see her as anything other than a sexual object. The author, John Steinbeck, uses Curley's wife to emphasize the harsh and unfair treatment that women faced during the Great Depression where they were often viewed as inferior to men and were denied the basic rights and respect that they deserved. Curley's wife's presence in Of Mice and Men is essential to Steinbeck's attempt at exposing the flaws of society towards