Literary Works That Shape Our World: A Critical Analysis - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Analysis of “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck

Historical context

The historical context of the Great Depression is essential to understanding Of Mice and Men. The Depression was a period of severe economic hardship in the United States, lasting from 1929 to 1939. Millions of people lost their jobs and homes, and many were forced to migrate in search of work.

The characters in Of Mice and Men are all struggling to survive during this time. George and Lennie are migrant workers who have been forced to move from job to job, never staying in one place for long. Candy is an old man who has lost his hand in a work accident and is now forced to rely on others for support. Crooks is a black man who is isolated from the other workers because of his race. Curley's wife is a lonely woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage.

The characters' struggles are a reflection of the larger social and economic problems of the time. The Great Depression was a time of great uncertainty and despair, and many people felt like they had no control over their own lives. This is reflected in the characters' dreams of a better future, which are ultimately shattered.

Here are some specific examples of how the Great Depression is reflected in Of Mice and Men:

George and Lennie's dream of owning their own farm: This dream represents the American dream of self-reliance and independence. However, the Depression made it very difficult for people to achieve this dream.
Candy's willingness to give up his dog: Candy's dog is his only companion, but he is forced to give him up because he can't afford to care for him. This shows the desperation that many people felt during the Depression.
Crooks' isolation: Crooks is isolated from the other workers because of his race. This reflects the racism that was prevalent in American society at the time.
Curley's wife's loneliness: Curley's wife is a lonely woman who is trapped in a loveless marriage. She seeks companionship from the other workers, but she is ultimately rejected. This shows the loneliness that many people felt during the Depression.

By understanding the historical context of the Great Depression, you can better understand the characters in Of Mice and Men and the challenges they face.

Literary movements

It is important to research the literary movements that influenced John Steinbeck in order to better understand Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck was influenced by realism, naturalism, and regionalism.

Realism is a literary movement that focuses on accurately depicting everyday life. Realist writers often use ordinary characters and settings, and they strive to portray the world as it is, not as it should be.

Naturalism is a subgenre of realism that takes a more scientific approach to literature. Naturalists believe that human behavior is determined by heredity and environment, and they often explore the dark side of human nature.

Regionalism is a literary movement that focuses on a specific region or locale. Regionalist writers often use local dialects and customs, and they strive to capture the unique flavor of their region.

Steinbeck's writing is influenced by all three of these movements. Of Mice and Men is a realistic novel that depicts the everyday lives of migrant workers during the Great Depression. The novel also explores naturalistic themes such as determinism and the struggle for survival. In addition, Steinbeck's use of vivid language and imagery captures the unique flavor of the Salinas Valley in California.

Here are some specific examples of how Steinbeck's writing is influenced by realism, naturalism, and regionalism in Of Mice and Men:

Realism: Steinbeck uses ordinary characters and settings in Of Mice and Men. The characters are migrant workers who are struggling to survive during the Great Depression. The setting is a ranch in the Salinas Valley of California.
Naturalism: Steinbeck explores naturalistic themes such as determinism and the struggle for survival in Of Mice and Men. The characters' lives are shaped by their heredity and environment, and they are often powerless to control their own destinies.
Regionalism: Steinbeck uses vivid language and imagery to capture the unique flavor of the Salinas Valley in California. The reader can almost feel the heat of the sun and the smell of the dust in the air.

By understanding the literary movements that influenced Steinbeck, you can better understand his writing style and the themes of his work. This will help you to gain a deeper appreciation for Of Mice and Men.

Characters and characterization

Steinbeck's characters in Of Mice and Men are complex and well-developed. He uses a variety of techniques to characterize his characters, including:

Direct characterization: Steinbeck directly tells the reader about the characters' physical appearance, personality traits, and motivations. For example, he describes George as "small and quick and dark of face" and Lennie as "a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, and wide, sloping shoulders."
Indirect characterization: Steinbeck indirectly characterizes his characters through their actions, dialogue, and relationships with other characters. For example, we learn that George is protective of Lennie when he gets angry at Curley for picking on him. We also learn that Lennie is gentle and kind when he pets Curley's wife's hair without realizing how strong he is.
Symbolism: Steinbeck uses symbolism to characterize his characters. For example, Lennie's pet mouse symbolizes his innocence and vulnerability.

Here are some specific examples of Steinbeck's use of characterization in Of Mice and Men:

George: George is a complex and contradictory character. He is protective of Lennie, but he can also be harsh and critical. He dreams of a better future, but he is also realistic about the challenges they face.
Lennie: Lennie is a large and strong man, but he is also gentle and childlike. He has a good heart, but he is also naive and easily manipulated. He dreams of owning a farm with George, but he is ultimately unable to achieve this dream.
Candy: Candy is an old man who has lost his hand in a work accident. He is lonely and isolated, but he is also kind and caring. He gives George and Lennie money to help them achieve their dream of owning a farm.
Curley: Curley is the son of the ranch owner. He is a small and insecure man who is constantly trying to prove himself. He is jealous of George and Lennie, and he picks on them whenever he gets the chance.
Curley's wife: Curley's wife is a lonely and neglected woman. She seeks companionship from the other workers, but she is ultimately rejected. She is a tragic figure who is unable to escape her unhappy circumstances.

By researching different interpretations of the characters and Steinbeck's use of characterization, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story and its meaning.

Here are some thoughts on how the characters' interactions with each other, the setting, and symbolism reveal their personalities, strengths and weaknesses, motivations, and changes over the course of the story in Of Mice and Men:

Characters' interactions:

George and Lennie: George's protective nature and Lennie's dependence on him reveal their close bond. However, George's occasional harshness and Lennie's naivete also highlight their differences.
George and Curley: George's defiance and Curley's bullying reveal their contrasting personalities and social status.
Lennie and Curley's wife: Lennie's gentleness and Curley's wife's loneliness suggest a potential connection, but their misunderstanding eventually leads to tragedy.
Candy and George: Candy's loneliness and George's kindness reveal their shared humanity and desire for companionship.

Setting:

The harsh and unforgiving landscape of the ranch reflects the characters' difficult lives.
The cramped and crowded bunkhouse represents the characters' social isolation and lack of control over their own destinies.

Symbolism:

Lennie's pet mouse symbolizes his innocence and vulnerability.
The dream of the farm symbolizes the characters' hope for a better future.

Characters' strengths and weaknesses:

George: Strengths: intelligent, resourceful, protective of Lennie. Weaknesses: harsh, cynical, lacks faith in himself.
Lennie: Strengths: gentle, kind, hardworking. Weaknesses: naive, easily manipulated, physically strong but mentally limited.
Candy: Strengths: kind, caring, resilient. Weaknesses: lonely, isolated, physically disabled.
Curley: Strengths: none obvious. Weaknesses: insecure, bullying, jealous.
Curley's wife: Strengths: resourceful, brave. Weaknesses: lonely, neglected, trapped in a loveless marriage.

Characters' motivations:

George: To provide a better life for himself and Lennie.
Lennie: To be with George and achieve their dream of owning a farm.
Candy: To escape his loneliness and find companionship.
Curley: To prove himself and assert his dominance.
Curley's wife: To escape her loneliness and find companionship.

Characters' changes over the course of the story:

George: Becomes more compassionate and understanding of Lennie.
Lennie: Gains a deeper understanding of his own limitations and the consequences of his actions.
Candy: Finds companionship and a renewed sense of purpose in helping George and Lennie.
Curley: Remains unchanged and ultimately meets a tragic end.
Curley's wife: Suffers a tragic death, but her story serves as a reminder of the loneliness and desperation of the human condition.

Steinbeck's masterful use of characterization and symbolism creates a rich and complex tapestry that reveals the human condition in all its beauty and tragedy. By understanding how the characters interact with each other, the setting, and symbolism, we can gain a deeper appreciation for Steinbeck's artistry and the timeless themes of Of Mice and Men.

Themes

Of Mice and Men explores a number of universal themes, such as the American dream, loneliness, friendship, and sacrifice. Researching these themes can help you to better understand the story's meaning and significance.

The American dream: George and Lennie dream of owning a farm together, where they can be their own bosses and live a simple, independent life. However, their dream is ultimately shattered by the harsh realities of the Great Depression and their own personal limitations.

Loneliness: Many of the characters in Of Mice and Men are lonely and isolated. George and Lennie are lonely because they are different from the other workers and because they have no family or close friends. Candy is lonely because he is old and disabled. Crooks is lonely because he is black and lives in a segregated society. Curley's wife is lonely because she is trapped in a loveless marriage.

Friendship: The friendship between George and Lennie is the one bright spot in the story. George is protective of Lennie, and Lennie is devoted to George. Their friendship gives them both strength and hope. However, their friendship is also ultimately tested by the harsh realities of the world around them.

Sacrifice: George makes the ultimate sacrifice for Lennie at the end of the story. He kills Lennie out of love and mercy to prevent him from suffering any further. George's sacrifice is a reminder of the power of love and the importance of putting others before ourselves.

These are just a few of the universal themes that Steinbeck explores in Of Mice and Men. By researching these themes, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story's meaning and significance. You can also consider how these themes relate to your own life and experiences.

Here are some additional questions you can consider when researching the themes in Of Mice and Men:

How do the characters' dreams and aspirations reflect the American dream?
How does Steinbeck portray the loneliness and isolation of his characters?
What is the significance of the friendship between George and Lennie?
How does George's sacrifice for Lennie reflect the themes of love and mercy?
How do the themes of Of Mice and Men relate to your own life and experiences?

By answering these questions, you can develop a deeper appreciation for Steinbeck's work and the universal themes that he explores.

Symbolism

Steinbeck uses a variety of symbols throughout Of Mice and Men. Some of the most important symbols include:

Mice: Mice symbolize Lennie's innocence and vulnerability. Lennie likes to pet mice, and he often kills them accidentally because he is too strong.
The dream farm: The dream farm symbolizes George and Lennie's hope for a better future. They dream of owning a farm where they can be their own bosses and live a simple, independent life.
Candy's dog: Candy's dog symbolizes the fate of those who are weak and vulnerable. Candy's dog is old and sick, and he is eventually shot by Carlson to prevent him from suffering any further.
Curley's wife: Curley's wife symbolizes the loneliness and desperation of the human condition. She is trapped in a loveless marriage, and she seeks companionship from the other workers, even though she knows it is dangerous.

In addition to these specific symbols, Steinbeck also uses symbolism more generally throughout the story. For example, the setting of the Salinas Valley represents the harsh and unforgiving nature of the world. The cramped and crowded bunkhouse represents the characters' social isolation and lack of control over their own destinies.

By researching the symbolism of Of Mice and Men, you can gain a deeper understanding of the story's meaning and significance. Steinbeck's use of symbolism is one of the things that makes his writing so powerful and evocative.

Here are some additional questions you can consider when researching the symbolism in Of Mice and Men:

How does the symbolism of the mice reflect Lennie's innocence and vulnerability?
How does the symbolism of the dream farm reflect George and Lennie's hope for a better future?
How does the symbolism of Candy's dog reflect the fate of those who are weak and vulnerable?
How does the symbolism of Curley's wife reflect the loneliness and desperation of the human condition?
How does Steinbeck use symbolism more generally throughout the story to create a sense of meaning and significance?

By answering these questions, you can develop a deeper appreciation for Steinbeck's artistry and the symbolic richness of Of Mice and Men.

The setting of the story: Steinbeck's setting of the Salinas Valley in California is significant. Researching the geography, climate, and culture of the region can help you to better understand the story and its characters.

The Salinas Valley is a long, narrow valley in central California. It is bordered by the Santa Lucia Mountains on the west and the Gabilan Mountains on the east. The Salinas River runs the length of the valley, emptying into the Pacific Ocean at Monterey Bay.

The valley has a Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The average temperature in January is 56 degrees Fahrenheit, and the average temperature in July is 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The valley receives an average of 15 inches of rain per year.

The Salinas Valley is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in the world. It is known for its lettuce, broccoli, artichokes, and other vegetables. The valley is also home to a number of vineyards and wineries.

The setting of the Salinas Valley is significant to Of Mice and Men in a number of ways. First, the harsh and unforgiving landscape of the valley reflects the characters' difficult lives. Second, the valley's agricultural economy provides the backdrop for George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm. Third, the valley's diverse population reflects the social tensions of the Great Depression.

Here are some specific examples of how the setting of the Salinas Valley contributes to the story and its characters:

The harsh and unforgiving landscape: The Salinas Valley is a hot, dry place with little rain. This harsh environment reflects the characters' difficult lives. They are constantly struggling to survive, both physically and emotionally.

The valley's agricultural economy: The Salinas Valley is known for its agricultural production. This provides the backdrop for George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm. They believe that if they own a farm, they will be able to escape their difficult lives and live a better future.

The valley's diverse population: The Salinas Valley is home to a diverse population of people, including migrant workers, farmers, and ranchers. This diversity reflects the social tensions of the Great Depression. The characters in Of Mice and Men are constantly struggling to find their place in society.

By understanding the geography, climate, and culture of the Salinas Valley, you can gain a deeper understanding of Of Mice and Men and its characters. Steinbeck's use of setting is one of the things that makes his writing so powerful and evocative.

The role of women in the story: Although women play a relatively minor role in Of Mice and Men, their presence is important. Researching the role of women in society during the Great Depression can help you to better understand the characters of Curley's wife and Candy's wife.

The role of women in Of Mice and Men is complex and multifaceted. While women play a relatively minor role in the story, their presence is significant. The two female characters in the story, Curley's wife and Candy's wife, are both complex and well-developed characters.

Curley's wife is a lonely and isolated woman. She is trapped in a loveless marriage to a man who does not love or respect her. She seeks companionship from the other workers, but she is ultimately rejected. Curley's wife is a tragic figure who is unable to escape her difficult circumstances.

Candy's wife is a mysterious figure who is only mentioned briefly in the story. We learn that she was a kind and gentle woman who died many years ago. Candy's wife represents the possibility of love and companionship for George and Lennie. However, her death is a reminder of the fragility of life and the difficulty of achieving one's dreams.

The role of women in society during the Great Depression was also complex and multifaceted. Women were often expected to stay at home and care for their families. However, many women were forced to work outside the home during the Depression to help support their families. Women also played an important role in the social and political movements of the time.

By researching the role of women in society during the Great Depression, you can gain a deeper understanding of the characters of Curley's wife and Candy's wife. You can also consider how the role of women in Of Mice and Men reflects the social and cultural realities of the time.

Here are some additional questions you can consider when researching the role of women in Of Mice and Men:

How does Curley's wife's loneliness and isolation reflect the social and cultural realities of the time?
How does Candy's wife represent the possibility of love and companionship for George and Lennie?
How does the role of women in Of Mice and Men reflect the changing roles of women in society during the Great Depression?
How do the characters of Curley's wife and Candy's wife challenge traditional gender roles?

By answering these questions, you can develop a deeper appreciation for Steinbeck's portrayal of women in Of Mice and Men.

The ending of the story: The ending of Of Mice and Men is tragic and controversial. Researching different interpretations of the ending can help you to better understand its meaning and significance.

The ending of Of Mice and Men is tragic and controversial. George shoots Lennie in the back of the head to prevent him from suffering any further. George's act of mercy is a complex and difficult one to understand.

Some critics have interpreted the ending as a sign of hope. They argue that George's act of love and mercy allows Lennie to die with dignity. Other critics have interpreted the ending as a tragedy. They argue that George's act of killing Lennie is a betrayal of their friendship.

There is no one right interpretation of the ending of Of Mice and Men. The story's meaning is ambiguous, and Steinbeck leaves it up to the reader to decide. However, by researching different interpretations of the ending, you can gain a deeper understanding of its complexity and significance.

Here are some additional questions you can consider when researching the ending of Of Mice and Men:

How does George's act of mercy reflect the themes of love and sacrifice in the story?
How does the ending challenge traditional notions of masculinity and friendship?
How does the ending reflect the harsh realities of the world in which the characters live?
What different interpretations of the ending have been offered by critics and scholars?
How do you interpret the ending of Of Mice and Men?

By answering these questions, you can develop a deeper appreciation for Steinbeck's artistry and the complexity of the ending of Of Mice and Men.