Of Mice and Men
By: KvngReg
Summary of "Of Mice and Men"
John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" is a parable about what it truly means to be human. Steinbeck's story of George and Lennie's ambitions of having their own ranch dives deep into a spectrum of many feelings and emotions many of us share. They are both very human, of course, but when I say that I mean they are very relatable. This tale of Friendship shows the many colors or the word, through the good and definitely through the bad.
Theme Analysis
The theme of-"Of Mice and Men" is loneliness, frustration, and getting through hard times. Although the story follows the main characters George and Lennie they are not the only characters who struggle. Now the theme can be found within all the characters but i think that it really hits home with these next few characters.Nearly all the characters George, Lennie, Candy, Crooks, and Curley's wife all admit at one point of having a profound sense of loneliness and isolation.
Character development
George
George starts out as the traveling companion, caregiver, and dream keeper for Lennie. But as the plot progresses and Lennie makes nothing but trouble for George and himself George takes matters into his own hands. Turning him self into a merciful killer. Committing secret crimes like stealing Carlson's gun, and in the end finishing what he thought he had to do.
Candy
In the beginning of the story Candy is portrayed as an old man who has never stood up for anything. Someone who has never made any decisions for himself or in his own life. For example when Carlson insisted on shooting Candy's dog, Candy did nothing about it and just let it happen. But now near the ending of the book even though he hasn't changed much he is willing to leave with George and Lennie. Making a choice for himself while following others at the same time.
Crooks
Crooks is a stable hand that tends to the horses. He is the only black worker on the ranch and he secludes himself from most of the other workers because of hows he's been treated before. He starts out very lonely. He likes to see others lonely as well, maybe because sorrow likes company. But near the ending/ turning point of the book when he's talking to Candy and Candy is telling him of the ranch play he becomes very happy. Over joyed to the point that he imagines himself coming along with the others.
Significant Quote~ Carlson
"He ain't no good to you Candy, he ain't no good to himself."
When Carlson says this it may just seem like he's being a jerk trying to kill an old man's dog, but this event means much more and is setting us up for much deeper things. Although nobody wants a dog to get shot it is important because this is foreshadowing for when George kills Lennie.
John Steinbeck
John E. Steinbeck was an American author of 27 books. He was born February, 27, 1902 and he died in 1968 in New York city. He is from Salinas, California. His 1939 novel "The Grapes of Wrath" won a Pulitzer Prize, so as you can see he was an established author. But writing was not the only thing he did with his life. He was also a war corespondent during World War II. He was a many of many talents and he also enlightened the lives of his readers with his vivid and realistic novels.
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