Foreshadowing In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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The best part of a book is being able to reread it and make connections there not obvious the first time. That’s what makes John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men such a compelling novel. Throughout the story, best friends George and Lennie go through a series of conflicts that foreshadows a tragic ending. Steinbeck's use of foreshadowing is a key factor in connecting the events of the story together. The ending might have been a surprise for many people, but the smoothly integrated foreshadowing throughout the novel allows for the reader to gain a better understanding of the ending. At the beginning of the story, George warns Lennie “if you jus’ happen to get in trouble like you always done before, come right here an’ hide in the brush.” (P.15) it explains where Lennie is, and how the author connects back to the beginning of the book, element of nature, the circle of life. …show more content…

There’s an important moment where Candy says, “I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn’t ought to of let no stranger shoot my dog.” (p.61) He regretfully tells George that out of loyalty to his dog, Candy should have been the one to put him to rest. George is put in this exact predicament himself when he kills Lennie in order to save him from Curley’s revenge. He realizes that he would regret not killing his best friend just as Candy did. Without the help of foreshadowing George’s actions would seem extreme, but instead, they are justified because the reader understands that it is important for George to kill Lennie

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