Motif And Pattern In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Peter Lisca’s analysis on “Motif and Pattern in Of Mice and Men” clarifies that Steinbeck’s misunderstood usage of symbols, actions, and language convey motifs and patterns that connects the beginning of the book to the end. Lisca implies that the first and primary usage of symbolism was the area near the river where the story initiated and ended. He insinuates that the cave that Lennie mentioned twice and the river George ordered Lennie to visit when in danger symbolizes as “a safe place” and innocence while becoming “translated into terms possible in the real world” (Lisca 1). In addition, Lisca also advocates that the rabbits serve as symbols to dramatize Lennie’s devotion for his safe place, but also to “define the basis of what desire on a very low level” (Lisca 2).

According to Lisca, events such as the killing of Candy’s dog, the death of the mice and the puppy, and Curley’s wife serve as patterns of the mice motif and predicts the future of the rabbits and the dream of a haven. Additionally, Lisca believes that Steinbeck’s usage of language is implemented as a motif. He [Steinbeck] mentions that George “repeated his words rhythmically, as though he had said them many times before”, which Lennie recalled and restated whenever he felt insecure. (Lisca 2) Evidently, Lisca advocates that the pattern of the events generates mechanical action while others believe it [the pattern] gives significant design to the story. He presumes that the three motifs of symbol, action, and language creates a pattern of inevitability, yet the movement isn’t destroyed. Lisca states that George and Lennie are presumingly in the process of achieving their goal along with Candy and the cynical turned optimistic Crooks. Curley’s wife embodies the mice symbol, reminding the others about the harsh realities of achieving the American