Of Mice and Men Steinbecks style: -Uses lots of symbolism, including the settings: Pg.

18 sycamores with mottled, white recumbent limbs Pg. 147 Lennie jarred, and then settled slowly forward to the sand, and he lay without quivering. Itinerant lifestyles, symbolizes instability, unpredictability -Use of foreshadowing -Structure similar to a play, setting is described at the start of every section. -No insight of characters thoughts, lots of monologues and dialogues. Character slowly reveals personalities -Narrates chronologically, no back ups or flashbacks. Themes: -Gang aft agley: things often go wrong even if it was planned carefully. Symbolizes constant unavoidable failure, humans have no control over course of nature. Criticize humans for thinking too much, they dont live in the present and fear for the future, thats why theyre easily inflicted with grief. -The American dream: An live off the fatta the lan -Danger red association of red on female characters have a connotation of trouble and danger, also constant relates to Lennies, foreshadows inevitable end. -Friendship/loneliness George constantly playing a single player card game: solitaire, symbolizes the lack of companionship -Social injustice (racism, sexism) -Social hierarchy -Masculinity Characters George: survival, responsibility, Lennie, dream, justice Lennie: instinct, George, trust Curley: insecurity, temptation to power, masculinity Curleys wife: loneliness, attention seeking, indignation, dreams Candy: loneliness, hope, support, old age, dream Section 1 -Setting atmosphere is majestic, surreal and tranquil Pg. 18 golden foothill Pg. 18 sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch other the pool -Written in present tense, suggests natures everlasting ability. Contrasts humans short and insignificant life span. When Lennie dies nature is still moving. -Pg. 18 Soledad, sounds like solitude. Symbolizes the loneliness of ranch workers. -Pg. 19 Evening of a hot day started a little wind to moving among the leaves. adds movement to still environment, builds up a sense of foreboding.

-Pg. 19 shades climbed up the hills towards the top. the personification, livens up the environment and introduces a sense of movement. Introduction of characters: George -Pg. 19 small and quick intelligence, sensitive to events (attentive), survival acumen -Pg. 19 restless eyescalculative, cautious nature, vigilant -Pg. 19 sharp, strong features individuality, strong and distinct personality, empowers over Lennie. Thinks with depth, and considers many consequences and scenarios. Lennie -Pg. 19 shapeless of face a blunt and lacking individuality mind; his thoughts lack depth and strength, they are a lot more superficial than Georges thoughts. -Pg. 19 large, pale eyes mirrors Lennies innocent (no harm) nature. The child-like description reflects on Lennies simplistic mind, which suggests his inability to distinguish between the seriousness of his actions inevitably leading to the deaths he would inflict. -Pg. 19 dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws shows Lennies animal like nature, also displays his strong physical strength. drag suggests a slow mindset. -Pg. 20 snorting into water like a horse suggests Lennies instinctive nature (he lives in the moment); also suggests his simple-mindedness (clumsiness) and a lack of conscious to himself and the environment. He doesnt know his own ability, and is too simple-minded to consider the consequences of his actions. Approaches to drinking water: Lennie dived into the water and started drinking long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse without any hesitations, this again displays his lack of awareness to danger, his child-like nature simple mindedness makes him believe everything is harmless, he does things without thinking (instinctively). The metaphor emphasizes Lennies clumsiness and awkwardness. George on the opposite approached the water with much more caution and hesitation, only after his close inspection of the water safety did he start drinking the water. Georges series of questioning and doubt displays a mature mind. He took off his hat and wiped the sweat-band with his forefinger, and snapped the moisture off. Shows Georges series of delicate movement, which implies Georges vigilant and attentive mindset towards his surrounding. Conclusion: George empowers over Lennie. Lennis is very loyal and listens to George, whilst George didactically interacts with Lennie. Section 2 Bunkhouse symbolism Pg.38 long, rectangular building & small, square window -> generic, non-descriptive. The shape is very restricted and rigid, connotes a prison-like atmosphere, and limited freedom. Carries a very dark

atmosphere due to lack of individuality, suggests the emotionless minds of workers. Generic contrasts, with the idea that workers think they are brilliant and different. Ironic that everyone before them thought the same, but in fact they lose individuality. Pg. 38 whitewashed and the floor unpainted -> bare, run-down, poor attempts to make it homely. Suggests minimum welfare for ranch workers. Functionality at the expense of comfort and bonds. Pg.38 Against the wall were eight bunks, five of them up with blankets and the other three showing their burlap ticking. -> connotes discomfort, and shows the struggles of men in these conditions Pg. 38 little articles, soap and talcum powder -> small, personal belonging (can be fitted only in an apple box) that can be quickly packed, shows their itinerant state. They have a lack of root, easily replaceable. Also reflect lifestyle of common men. Pg. 38 In the middle of the room stood a big square table littered with playing cards -> shows simplicity of entertainment, messiness suggests the disregard of the bunkhouse as a home for ranch workers, because they dont make great efforts to maintain the cleanliness of he bunkhouse.

Sun -Pg. 38 the sun threw a bright dust-laden bar through one of the side windows Sun symbolizes hope of the American dream. Contrasts dust laden air and prison-like bunkhouse, which generates a feeling of depression and failure. Candy Repetition of tell you what shows his low self-confidence to attract the attention of others in a conversation, relates to his powerlessness as a disabled ranch worker and his fear of loneliness. Candys uncomfortable, submissive body language when the boss enters: Pg. 42 shuffled to the door and rubbed his whiskers his obvious uneasiness and over submissive body language when the boss enters, displays his eagerness to impress the boss and his low social status. Steinbeck uses these movements to symbolize the social hierarchy. Crooks (through Candy) Pg. 41 Got a crooked back where a horse kicked him shows extreme contempt people have towards black people, by placing Crooks in the same status as the animal in the event; and to show Crooks weakness as a human through his injury, which was caused by an animal. Pg. 41 They let the nigger come in that night the very specific and little times that Crooks get to join community, means he has to live a restrict life under others control. The high level of restriction that white people has set for him, also display white peoples paranoia of black overpowering them and their strong lust for empowerment. Curley Pg.46 head of tightly curled hair relates to Curleys uptight and stubborn personality.

Pg. 46 high-heeled boots shows his over effort of trying to represent his status, displays his obsession of power authority. Through Curley, Steinbeck criticizes the societys unhealthy hierarchy view. Pg. 46 He glanced coldly at George and then Lennie He stiffened and went into a slight crouch. First time Curley instigates tension between him and Lennie, which foreshadows the incidence in the future. By transitioning his glace at Curley, it singles out Curleys belligerence on Lennie, increasing the tension. Pg. 47 Curley stared levelly at him Curleys mannerism indicates his inflated sense of self ability. But his presence of arrogance is merely a cover for feelings of low self-esteem he have towards his small physical size. Pg. 47Hes lightweight, and hes handy he feels unconfident of his small frame that people might deduce as a lack of masculinity. Thus he protects himself by doing conventionally masculine activities, representing his feisty outside. Pg. 48 Hes alla time picking scraps with big guys Curleys hostility towards bigger guys (seen as more masculine by the society) shows his insecurity of his lack of masculinity (he is a small guy). By constantly picking fights, he presents himself in an aggressive manner and thus enhances his masculinity. Pg. 49 Well, thats a glove fulla vaseline shows extreme sense possession of his wife. Feels skeptical about his virility and emasculates himself by attempting to pleasure his wife.

Curleys Wife Curleys wife is merely presented with shallow terms such as tramp and tart. Contrasts with further development of the character in the novel and she is presented to be a complex character underneath. She is humanely overprotective, insecure and defensive of herself. This is emphasized by the way she scorns other ranchmen (for example: Candy due to old age, Lennie due to slow mental ability and Crooks due to race.) She refers to them through quotes such as You keep your place then, Nigger, Dum Dum, old sheepdog She acts as a bully and picks on others weaknesses to build her own armor of steel from any harm. Curleys wife presents a misogynistic theme in the poem. This also introduces the subject of objectification. Everyone knowed youd mess things up. You wasnt no good. This shows that she is to blame for the cause of all that goes wrong in the farm and shows the utter low level of respect people have for her, that even after death, people were still cursing her name. Curleys Wife introduces the theme of sexism. As she is only recognized as a possession of Curley, rather than an actual human being, she loses a sense of individuality and shows the dependence on men that women needed at that time, to be able to survive in a misogynistic society. Steinbeck liberally worsens the power of Curleys wife to criticize the

society view of women as nothing more than sex object and troublemakers. Pg.49 Married two weeks and got the eye? shows how unappealing and hostile marriage life is to Curleys wife. She is consumed with loneliness and is always trying to seek attention from people. Steinbeck uses light symbolically in the quote Pg. 53 rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off to show that she was the cause of all hope and happiness being abruptly taken away. This is also to foreshadow the fact that she was partially the cause of Lennies death and the death of the American dream. Pg. 53 She had full rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made up. Her fingernails were red. Her hair hanging in little rolled clusters, like sausages. She wore a cotton dress and red mules, on the insteps of which were little bouquets of red ostrich feathers has a huge emphasis and repetition of the connotation red, which connotes a sense of danger and threat. This highlights that Curleys wife is dangerous and is complex and cunning underneath her shallow image.

-Hair hanging like rolled clusters contrasts with Curleys tightly-curled hair; this shows the contrast of her loose and flirtatious character while Curley is more restrained and uptight. Section 3 Key events: -Georges confection to Slim -Carlson shoots Candys dog -Lennies busts Curleys hand Georges confession to Slim (Pg. 65-69) Pg. 66 Godlike eyes & Pg. 72 Slims opinions were law Slim is in charge; he is seen as the omniscient figure and is revered by other workers. He possesses a special kind of wisdom through the eyes of an observer. Pg. 66 Georges voice was taking the tone of confession Slim is seen as the powerful but kind figure, by treating others with respect. Provides contrast to Curley, who is suppose to be in charge but isnt respects by workers. Steinbeck creates this scene to express George and Lennies past, as the play-like novel cant include flashbacks.

Calson shoots Candys dog (Pg. 70-76) Candys dog symbolizes companionship. The death of the dog symbolizes the loss of companionship and ultimately loneliness. Its is a harsh reminder to Candy of the fate to come.

George and Lennies relationship mirror that of Candy and the dogs relationship. They both carry a sense of interdependence and Lennie is displayed as the dog (loyal, obedient and always by Georges side) Pg. 72 That dog aint no good to himself. I wisht somebodyd shoot me if I got old an a cripple the quotes highlights the societys cruel view towards old people and shallowness in evaluating a persons true value (they evaluate by what physical work they are capable of doing). They are seen as a burden, and is despised by many youths. Also suggests discrimination of disabled people.

Techniques to display tension before shooting Stalling the narrative: elongation of time, through magnifying insignificant character details to introduce a sense of waiting both for the reader and and the characters. The anticipation builds on to the stressed and foreboding atmosphere. -Pg. 71 Candy threw his legs off his bunk. He scratched the white stubble whiskers o his cheek nervously. -Pg. 74 He put the pistol in his hip pocket & He twitched the thong Use pause and silences: the increasing amounts of silence mentioned in the scene shows a progression of the strength of tension. Silence generates a sense of discomfort and highlights the stressful and distressful atmosphere. -Pg. 75 It was silent outside. The silence came into the room. And the silence lasted Description of sights and sounds: the meticulous description of sights and sounds makes the event much more vivid, by doing this, Steinbeck enhances the atmosphere reflected through the sounds, and emphasizes the straining mood. -Pg. 72 He pointed with his toes describing Carlson -Pg. 75 Carlsons footsteps died away. Symbolism: -Pg. 75 He led the dog out into the darkness darkness connotes a sense of negativity and emptiness. It reflects Candys feeling over the loss of his dog. -Pg. 72 I wisht somebodys shoot me if I got old an a cripple the Candy denial for help from Slim, symbolizes the finality of the decision, and Candys lack of empowerment fight back (Candy sinks into a hopeless state) Use of verb and adverbs: Steinbeck uses uncomfortable and restless words to describe the characters actions. -Pg. 71 Candy looked about unhappily Carlson insisted nervously

-Pg. 73 Candy watched him uneasily -Repetition stare at the ceilingthe lack of movements represents his numbness due to his complete loss of hope. His mental despair is embodies through his lifeless physical form, which represents his melancholy of facing loneliness without his dog. Section 4 Key events Crooks savages the victory over scaring Lennie into thinking that George is leaving him. Candy comes into Crooks room and lets slip of their plan. Curleys wife seeks for his husband in Crooks hut, but is discriminated against. Curleys wife reminds Crooks of his low social status. Crooks Crooks loneliness is due to black segregation, whilst ranch workers loneliness comes from their itinerant. Pg. 98 long bunkhouse filled with straw & a range of medicine bottles, both for himself and for the horses. The bunk assembles that of an animal bunk, reflects his equal status that of a livestock. Also displays Crooks on bitterness, he thinks himself only as important as the horses by placing their medicines together. Pg. 98 little bench for leatherworking tools, curved knives and needles displays a very practical working environment; the place is not designed to feel comfortable. The tools represent low status work. Suggests that Crooks distracts his loneliness by solely focusing on his work. Structural techniques: There is a strong juxtaposition between the first and second paragraph. Steinbeck writes the first paragraph with the conventional view of society towards black people, and challenges this with the second paragraph when he portrays Crooks as a respectable and knowledgeable person. Steinbeck is displaying his anger towards such stereotypes. Pg. 98 possessed several pairs of shoes & he had books, too; a tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California civil code for 1905 large gold-rimmed spectacles he possesses lots of things, which suggests that he lives a stable life due to his disability. The research and learning books symbolizes Crooks craving for education to succeed his ambitious dreams. Pg. 99 This room was swept and fairly neat shows Crooks methodical personality, and challenges animal perception by displaying self-respect.

Pg. 99 His body was bent over to the left physical appearance mirrors his low status, the fact that he has to bend over when talking to others introduces a sense of forced submissiveness. Pg. 99 his eyes lay deep in his head seemed to glitter with intensity the deepness suggests his depth of thought, unlike other ranch workers who think shallowly. The depth of thought portrays him as a observer (he is prohibited to speak out so his observes) This mind challenges the conventional view of black peoples mind. glitter with intensity radiates a sense of strong belief and energy, Steinbeck expresses Crooks interior the same as other ranch workers, and argues that he is fundamentally human, not a beast. Pg. 99 His lean face was lined with deep black wrinkles, and he had thin, pain-tightened lips his old face demonstrates the sorrow he has endured. Pg. 100 This heres my room. Nobody got any right in here but me these statements pronounce ownership, Crooks is very protective of the little rights he has. He uses it effectively against intruding people, to keep himself segregated, he is insecure of other people. Pg. 103 Crooks pressed forward some sort of private victory the victory gave Crooks taste of power over (white) people, for once he has the leverage to control others. He abuses the leverage by taunting Lennie, mirrors how white people abuse leverage over him. Pg. 113 Well, you keep your place then, Nigger. I could get your strung up on a tree so easy it aint even funny. by being criticized by Curleys wife (doesnt have much respect) highlights Crooks terribly low status and his inability to defend himself, which connotes increase desperation.

Symbolisms in section 4 The entrance of Lennie and Candy symbolizes the temporary break of social barrier. Also shows Lennie lack of awareness of social hierarchy (childish). The exit of Lennie and Candy symbolizes the end of the three weak guys temporary understand and unity. Steinbeck criticizes the heavy influence of society of people. Similarity of Crooks and Candy Loneliness and isolation: o Pg. 74 Ill put the old devil out of his misery Aint nothing left him dog reflects Candy. Candys is isolated from the community due his old age and the inability to take on strong physical jobs, which makes him seem less masculine and thus generate dislike from other men because of his little practical work value to them. o Pg. 100 Cause Im black. They play cards in there, but I cant because I m black Crookss isolation is due to the segregation of

black people, and he tries to protect the little right he has left by displaying hostility in his own territory. Pg. This heres my room. Nobodys got any right in here but me o Carry hopes and fantasize better futures: o Pg. 100 All but old Candy. He just sets there sharpening his pencil, sharpening and figuring. the acceptance Candy joining Georges unrealistic dream, has fuelled up Candys enthusiasm and hope for a better life which testifies Candys longing for freedom and to live without fear of growing over his usefulness. Shows how desperate Candy craves to be treated with respect and combat loneliness. o Pg. 98 a tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California civil code for 1905 through his possession of education and knowledgeable material, suggests Crooks strong belief of knowledge. Through education he hopes for a better status and more respect from others, but these hopes are over ambitions as the social injustice is so strong back then that high knowledge wouldnt relieve social injustice. Portrayed as physically weak (disabilities) and insecure: o Pg. 39 He pointed with this right arm, and out of the sleeve came a round stick like wrist, but no hand deteriorating physical ability, connotes mental fear and Candys insecurity of his body. o Pg. 98 a cripple the bent back emphasizes low social status as a crippled black men. Creates image of Crooks submitting to white people, because bending related to kneeling down and shows his slave like status.

Section 5 Key events Lennie buries dead pup Curleys wife invites Lennie to stroke her hair Lennie strokes to hard and accidentally kill Curleys wife Curley organizes a manhunt on Lennie Previous events building up to deaths scene Ripple of water described in nature scenes Lennie stroking the dead mice Lennie accused of rape in the Weed Lennie busting Curleys hand Death Scenes Pg. 120 The resting horses nibbled the remaining wisps of hay, and they stamped their feet and they bit the wood of the mangers and rattled the halter chains. Steinbeck uses a series of verb to connote a restless and lively atmosphere Pg. 120 shouts of men, playing, encouraging, jeering concentrated repetition of present verb tense in a list format, highlights the jovial and enthusiastic atmosphere outside, but contrasts the dark and miserable atmosphere inside the barn.

Pg. 120 stroked it, stroked it clear from one end to the other mirrors the image of Lennie stroking the dead mouse, introduces a sense of ominous foreboding. Pg. 121 Why do you got to get killed? & This God damn little son of a bitch Lennie directs his madness of the pups death to the dead puppy, he doesnt see it as his fault. This shows his lack of self-consciousness, simplicity of mind (cant think ahead of the consequences) and therefore foreshadows Curleys wifes death because of Lennies inability to understand the ramifications of his action. Pg. 122 She wore her bright cotton dress and the mules with eh red ostrich feather Pg. 128 I done another bad thing. Lennies inability to distinguish between the seriousness of his actions; shows his child-like and selfish mind he does not consider what others think. Pg. 136 The sound of men grew fainter. The barn was darkening gradually and, in their stalls, the horses shifted their feet and rattled the halter chains. tone is very straightforward, connotes a sense of final acceptance. Candys motion also connotes melancholy, as he is unable to attend his dream.

Symbolism of sun Pg. 120 The afternoon sun sliced in through the cracks of the barn walls sun relates to brightness and positivity of the future, but contradicts with the violent personification using the word slice, introduces a sense of sinister foreshadowing Pg. 125 light was lifting as the sun went down sinister mood before the death of Curleys wife. Sun movement connotes movement towards something portentous. Pg.128 The sun streaks were high on the wall by now the receding light of the sun draws in the entrance of the night, which is associated with dark and menacing things. Pg. 135 The barn was darkening gradually the absence of the sun connotes the take over of the inauspicious atmosphere and situation. Lennies emotional phases Lennies reactions toward the dead puppy displays childish and selfish inner nature, all he thinks about after the death is will he still tend the rabbits and fails to sympathize and feel guilty. He doesnt experience guilt. Shows his animal like nature. Lennie talks to himself lack of self control and awareness to surrounding. His insensibility to panic inevitably leads to the death of Curleys wife. 1. Pg. 121 He rocked himself back and forth. Lennie volatile mind state and unsteady emotion 2. Pg. 121 Now I wont get to tend the rabbits Maybe George wont care he circles between acceptance and denial a. Acceptance generates Lennies frustration, he doesnt see the death as his fault but instead directs his irritation at the

puppys weak body. His inability to revive the puppys life makes him feel desperate. b. Denial generates Lennies anxiety Structural techniques Contrast between the energetic atmosphere outside and foregrounds life to the frustrating atmosphere inside and foregrounds death. The immediate entrance of Curleys wife after the dogs death foreshadowing her death by her entrance to an existent death scene. Describing the death of Curleys wife under one paragraph shows a very concentrated and fast pace process. The fast pace indicates Lennies instinctive and unsophisticated thoughts, he does not consider the weight of his actions and thus reacts very fast on impulses. Pace slows down again, through the paragraph describing the actions of animals. Allows the appreciation of Curleys wifes death, and connotes a sense of tranquility and relieve from (futility, pressures from Curley). Pg. 129 Moment paragraph following description of dead Curleys wife a reflective paragraph to allow readers to comprehend the fast pace of the story. Paragraph deliberately slows down time to display a sense of harmony settled on Curleys wife. Contrast of life (horses stamped) and death of Curleys wife juxtaposed position of what readers are expect of the gloomy atmosphere caused by the death. hay links to the start, direct link of the end of two lives, it also connotes misery through the motionless physics of Candy.

Section 6 Key events George meets Lennie at the clearing George calms panicking Lennie by telling him about their dream George shoots Lennie in the back of the head First paragraph Pg. 140 Already the sun has left he valley position of sun indicates the fore coming darkness, which brings a sense of hopeless and menacing mood. Pg. 140 deep green pool everlasting, individuals dont matter. Symbolizes Georges depth of sorrow. A pleasant shade had fallen The termination of light, symbolizes the end of the American dream. And sets a finality to the tone. Atmosphere: sense of finality, due to the loss of hope symbolized through termination of daylight.

Second and third paragraph Pg. 140 water snake glided smoothly up the pool, twisting... a fake tranquillity of nature (too majestic that it becomes surreal), reflects calmness before storm. Also connotes a sense of finality, motionless to give up struggle. Pg. 140A silent head and beak lanced down and plucked it out damages the tranquillity and introduces a sense of urgent danger. The sudden change to danger is also shown through compressed situation change described under one paragraph. Pg. 140 its tail waved frantically pointless struggle Pg. 140rush of wind sounded and a gust drove through introduction of more movements, connotes a sense of restlessness. Stirring connects to the beginning of the tragedy. Pg. 140 sycamore leaves turned up their silver sides sycamore tree is much more active, conveys a sense of anxiety of the fore coming event. Contrasts the peaceful, motionless state at the beginning of the book. Pg. 140 dry leaves on the ground scudded a few feet Juxtaposition of tranquillity and death: uneasiness and unpredictability, which generates tension. Also demonstrates the insignificance of individuals to the American dream. Life: reflected through movements from sycamores goes on, after deaths (water snake). Suggests the everlasting believe in the American dream of ranch workers. It also shows a sense of cinematic and that life is renewed again, thus, it symbolizes that American Dream will live on and although there is hope, the inevitable reality is accepted that most people would not be able to realize the dream. Another little water snake swam up the pool, turning its periscope head from side to side is repetition that there will be more victims that fall prey to dreams, besides George. It conveys a sense of finality to the whole novella. Lennies death Pg. 147 brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennies head. Lennie is unaware of his own death. He faces forward, which resemble hope and dream, by shooting him when he is dreaming symbolizes the final termination of the dream. Steinbeck maintains Lennies simpleminded purity at his death to signal a warning for other dreamers not to sink into the same unrealistic belief as Lennie, because of the horrible consequences demonstrated on Lennie. Pg. 147 The crash of the shot rolled up the hills and rolled down again.Shows the horrendous impact inflicted by the gun, displays the finality and melancholy atmosphere, maybe with a slight regret as the motion of the shot returned. Similarities and differences of setting: Similarities: Deep, green pool murky, uncertainty, creates anxiety and thus tension Differences: Movement of sycamore trees: reflects the tension

strong and rocky slopes strong and rocky symbolizes strong belief in one self, slopes symbolizes a challenge, a lack of confidence. The death of the dream.