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Some rhetorical devices that Steinbeck uses in his novel of mice and men
Some rhetorical devices that Steinbeck uses in his novel of mice and men
Some rhetorical devices that Steinbeck uses in his novel of mice and men
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John Steinbeck’s use of language helps to convey and emphasise an atmosphere of tension when Carlson leaves to shoot Candy’s dog in Chapter 3. The context of the extract links to the men’s incapability to express their emotions with others due to their hard-working masculine exterior, to the point where sensitive events like these are deemed tense and awkward for those involved. In the extract Steinbeck only makes reference to the passing of time on few occasions, making the time it takes Carlson to shoot Candy’s dog drag on much longer than it actually does, adding to the suspense and tension that accompanied the situation. It’s not until the line “The silence fell on the room again. A minute passed, and another minute” does the reader realize
Steinbeck’s word choice has a very significant impact on the effectiveness of his writing. By using words and phrases like “junk man,” “dead terror,” and the repetition of the words “bitterness” and “dead,” he drives his point home in a very matter-of-fact sort of way.
John Steinbeck explores human experience in the novella ‘Of Mice and Men’ in friendship, loneliness and marginalisation. He does this through the characters as explained thought the paragraphs below.
Levant, Howard. The Novels of John Steinbeck: A Critical Study. Columbia: U of Missouri P, 1974.
The quote that inspired John Steinbeck was the best laid schemes often go off track can be seen in the novel of Mice and Men. When Curley's wife met a man in her childhood that offered her to be an actress but the chance went away and she later died. Then Curley wanted to be a professional boxer but the dream never happened and he became a farmer then got his hand broken for trying to be tough. George and Lennie were going to buy a farm to live off the fat of the land then Lennie had to get in trouble and George had to give up the dream and kill Lennie for what he had done.
As Mark Twain once stated, “The more I know about people, the better I like my dog.” This sentiment is often echoed by general society; people seem to have lost faith in humanity. However, John Steinbeck illustrates his more optimistic opinion about “the perfectibility of man” by suggesting how man can improve. In his novel, Of Mice and Men, two tenants called George and Lennie go through many hardships all while chasing their dream of possessing their own farm. While they work at a farm, they meet an old swamper called Candy who offers to help them achieve their dream; he does so to ensure that he will have a future after he is fired for being too old. On page 60, Candy discusses the recent death of his dog and asks to join in on George and Lennie’s dream. Through this passage, Steinbeck proves that humans have an animalistic tendency of eliminating those who are weaker than them. This is depicted through the details connecting Candy to his dog as well as Candy’s diction when describing his potential future life. Steinbeck’s negative attitude towards man’s predatory nature implies that society needs to improve and prevent such oppressive behavior from occurring.
In the novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck brings out the themes of Lonliness and companionship, and strengths and weaknesses through the actions, and quotations of the characters. Irony and foreshadowing play a large roll on how the story ends. Lennie and his habit of killing things not on purpose, but he is a victim of his own strength. George trying to pretend that his feelings for Lennie mean nothing. The entire novel is repetitive in themes and expressed views.
Every great writer creates powerful images and presents story lines that draw their readers deep into the pages of their books, however; any writer would be hard pressed to do so without incorporating their own feelings, trials and tribulations into the plots and John Steinbeck is no exception. Through his appreciation for adventure and willingness to indulge in it, Steinbeck found a myriad of fascinating people in addition to experiences that he was eager to share. Past various negative criticisms and frequent rejections of his work, he manages to provide relatable characters capable of deep connections to those who enter into the realms of his tales. John Steinbeck's early life experiences influenced his portrayals of women, his love of the land, and his intimate connection to the plight of lower social classes, themes which translate into his work.
Chapter 2 starts out in the bunkhouse. Lennie and George just got new jobs and they were just told were they would be staying while they work there. In this chapter we were introduced to Curley’s wife, most of the workers here did not like his wife. Then, when George and Lenny were introduced to Curly he looked like he could start a fight with Lennie, because Lennie is big guy and Curly isn't he feels he needs to prove himself. After, George promised Lennie a puppy since one of the workers had a litter of puppies. Following, the workers suggested that they get the swamper a puppy since his dog is so old he can barely walk. Finally, in chapter 2 Lennie asks George to talk about how their future life will be like, this is because it gives
The classic novel Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck has resonated with readers for generations. Steinbeck’s poignant use of literary elements highlight the negative aspects of the human condition. His use of foreshadowing, imagery, and symbolism assist in outlining these issues.
John Steinbeck is an intriguing and intelligent author native to the grapevine-woven and sun-soaked Salinas, California. Many of his works, including Of Mice and Men, and Cannery Row, have striking similarities such as similar characters, and setting , seeing as they ‘took place’ near each other in real life. As any good book, both of these novels have many ideas that are in fact complete opposites, like the overall story progression and the plot, or absence of one in the case of Cannery Row. To understand these two books clearly, this essay will compare and contrast the setting, characters, plot, and the themes present in both books.
In the novel, “Of Mice and Men,” written by John Steinbeck, two migrant workers are on a journey to fulfill their dream of ‘living on their own land and a shack they can call their own.’ However, the incident involving Candy’s dog indicates that the same will happen to Lennie. The author develops the motif of loneliness through the use of indirect and direct characterization of Curley’s wife, Candy, Crooks, and Lennie.
Steinbeck's Choice of Language in Of Mice and Men Introduction = == == == ==
During this time, little or less recognition is shown to the short story. Eventually, it was surprisingly recognized for the brilliance of this piece and the author was even given the Nobel Prize for Literature (Petite, 1995). Steinbeck’s work cannot be denied to be just a simple story but nonetheless a story that has triggered its readers into critical thinking or further imagination. The story has simply described the life of a woman, which is very much relevant during his time, but the author has also provided details where readers could infer in explaining the issues of the
Steinbeck expresses the theme of loneliness in the character of Candy. Candy is lonely because his is missing half an arm. Candy?s disability separates him from society, an example of Curley being set aside is when everybody else goes to town he is left in the barn with Crooks, Lennie, and Curley?s wife. Candy?s only friendship was with his old, smelly dog. Candy?s dog was a symbol of himself (old, and useless). When Carlson kills Candy?s dog he kills Candy on the inside as well.
In the midst of his journey, Steinbeck is faced with two coyotes. This encounter brings upon him a dilemma. In his mind Steinbeck weighs the two “arguments” that he is having with himself; to kill or not to kill. During this moment in Steinbeck’s nonfiction novel, Travels With Charley, he has to decide whether or not he should do as he was always told to do, or to contradict everything he’s ever been told to do.