How Does Steinbeck Use Symbols In Of Mice And Men

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Symbolism in Of Mice and Men Symbolism is a person, place, or thing which has a meaning in itself but suggests other meanings, as well. There are many instances of this throughout Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Symbolism in books allows characters, places, and things to have many meanings and help explain the main points and themes of the book. This helps Of Mice and Men show the themes of innocence, loneliness, fidelity, dreams, Lennie’s strength, euthanasia, and discrimination. John Steinbeck’s use of symbolism helps the story have a deeper meaning with the use of symbolism with many characters, animals, and places. There are many uses of symbolism with the characters in Of Mice and Men. The character Lennie shows innocence throughout …show more content…

Rabbits are one of these animals and they show dreams in the book. The quote from Lennie shows how rabbits show dreams, “George how long’s it gonna be til we get that little place an’ live off the fatta the lan’ –an’ rabbit.” (pg. 85) This shows how rabbits are part of George and Lennie’s dreams just as much as the ranch is part of their land. It is very important to Lennie to get the rabbits because they it is his dream. Another quote that shows rabbits in a symbolic way is “ I wish’t we’d get the rabbits pretty soon, George.” (pg. 10) This explains how rabbits show dreams because Lennie cannot wait to get his rabbits and reach his dream. Puppies are another animal that John Steinbeck uses to have a greater meaning. The puppies in Of Mice and Men are used to show how strong Lennie is. The quote “Why do you got to get killed? You ain’t so little as mice. I didn’t bounce you hard.” (pg. 85) This shows Lennie’s strength because he did not even mean to kill the dog, but he was so strong that he did it anyways. Another quote is “He picked up the pup and hurled it from him.”(pg. 85) This shows Lennie’s strength because he is able to hurl the pup extremely …show more content…

Candy’s Dog shows euthanasia throughout the story. One quote that shows euthanasia is “If you want me to, I’ll put the old devil out of his misery right now and get it over with.”(pg. 47) This quote shows that Carlson wanted to put Candy’s Dog down because it is not good for him to continue living. Another quote is “I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn’t ought to of let let no stranger shoot my dog.”(pg. 61) At first Candy was opposed to having his dog killed but he realizes that that was the best thing for the dog and he should have done it himself. There are many uses of symbolism with the places in Of Mice and Men. Crook’s room is one of those places that is used as a symbol. Crook’s room shows discrimination with the quote “You go on get outta my room. I ain’t wanted in the bunk house, and you ain’t wanted in my room.” (pg. 68) Crook’s room shows discrimination because Crooks is not allowed in the bunk house, so he does not want Lennie in his room. Another quote is “’Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black.”(pg. 68) Crooks is not allowed inside the bunk house to play cards and is left out alone in his room all

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