Violence in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

526 Words2 Pages

Violence is unavoidable in life, in the same way it is also unavoidable in literature. In literature violence contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole. In the story Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck violence serves as a build-up of the plot. Violence is a major theme in this book and is brought out physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Violence is used a way to achieve justice in the story, as well as an outlet for the despair and limited possibilities that define the ranch. Stienbeck, in this story, depicts for readers that violence is a necessary part of justice. Violence often served on the ranch to determine justice. The ranch did not follow any typical rules of serving justice. In many ways justice was served through violence. George killing Lennie prevented him from causing any further damage. Lennie was incapable of complying with any sort of social standards. Lennie was not capable of understanding the idea of consequences for any of his actions. This can be seen when he kills mice or even when he crushes Curly's hand. If Lennie wouldn't have been shot by G...

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