Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men


“Of mice and Men” by John Steinbeck is a thought-provoking novel based on the loneliness and struggles of ranch workers during the great depression. Steinbeck follows the story of two men, George and Lennie, as they travel around the country in hope of achieving their dream.   Unlike other ranch workers George and Lennie travel around together, and in ways, depended on each to survive. Lennies mental illness and child-like behaviour land the men in trouble at a ranch in California. Steinbecks use of techniques build the tension throughout the novel, implying something disastrous is ahead. Steinbeck has clearly displayed the effects isolation can have on a human and reveals how much we depend on the relationships we have with our friends and family.

The theme of Loneliness is effectively introduced through Steinbeck’s settings. The opening scene is Soldad at the Salinas River this is where we are first introduced to the two main characters. Steinbeck’s description of the setting is calm and quiet which provides us with the idea that this is an empty landscape and not many people pass by here. By describing the Salinas River as “deep and green” Steinbeck creates the image that the water is refreshing and calm. Steinbeck’s descriptions also point out that this is a peaceful place and is somewhat a haven compared to the working world they’re about to enter. An opportunity is created by Steinbeck’s lonely, isolated descriptions to highlight the friendship of George and Lennie without any interference from other characters. The main part of the novel is set in and around the bunkhouse. Steinbeck has described the room as dull and dark which contrasts with the beautiful and bright setting the men have just travelled from. The ranch is run-down and an unhygienic place to stay. Steinbeck uses the bunkhouse to introduce the other characters which adds to the harsh, unpleasant environment. The life of a typical ranch worker is lonely and brutal, the men...