Steinbeck presents readers with a variety of key settings in Of Mice and Men, all of which are individually explored at different points within the novella. His description of a setting§ varies depending on the ideas he intends to explore within it. Steinbeck uses settings to explore themes, structure, and context. He conveys his ideas on a setting using carefully selected language, events which occur within said setting and structural techniques.
At the very beginning of the novella, Steinbeck immediately introduces readers to the important setting of ‘The Brush’. Steinbeck uses ‘The Brush’ as a literary device for exploring the theme of dreams. The tranquil atmosphere of The Brush contrasts heavily with the chaotic atmosphere on the ranch. …show more content…
The phrase ‘sit on the sand in the evening,’ connotes a relaxing image because an ‘evening’ surrounded by ‘sand’ and wildlife is a scene typically affiliated with relaxation. This theme of tranquillity again creates a contrast because we know that the significant event which takes place at this particular location at the end of the novella is of a violent and brutal nature (the murder of Lennie). The symbolic image of the rabbits is also first introduced here and is repeated throughout the story to represent Lennie’s dream of tending rabbits with George. The rabbits featured in The Brush at the beginning are real ones, whereas at the end of the novel they are in his imagination. Yet again we see Steinbeck using the literary technique of contrast, this time between reality and imagination. The fact that this setting is the one in which Lennie is killed could be seen as ironic. The Brush is a location where dreams are both …show more content…
One of these items is a ‘four-taloned Jackson fork’, this was a commonly used machine used to lift hay back in the 1930s. Steinbeck’s reference to this specific machine adds authenticity to the setting. This is then followed by the introduction of animal life and finally, humans. This order Steinbeck uses to introduce readers to the setting is also used for The Brush; nature, animals, humans. This order could be Steinbeck conveying the idea that nature’s beauty is ruined by the human-race. Steinbeck’s repetition of this format reminds us of the unchanging state of nature and the beauty that can be found before mankind disturbs the peace. This links to the theme of violence in the way that violent events take place here. The fact that Lennie’s puppy also dies at this setting could be Steinbeck again using the literary technique of foreshadowing to foreshadow the death of Curley’s wife. After considering all this we can assume that readers may not trust this setting and feel intimidated by it due to its heavy association with violence. Steinbeck uses the setting of ‘Susy’s Place’ to explore the context of the novella.
At the very beginning of the novella, Steinbeck immediately introduces readers to the important setting of ‘The Brush’. Steinbeck uses ‘The Brush’ as a literary device for exploring the theme of dreams. The tranquil atmosphere of The Brush contrasts heavily with the chaotic atmosphere on the ranch. …show more content…
The phrase ‘sit on the sand in the evening,’ connotes a relaxing image because an ‘evening’ surrounded by ‘sand’ and wildlife is a scene typically affiliated with relaxation. This theme of tranquillity again creates a contrast because we know that the significant event which takes place at this particular location at the end of the novella is of a violent and brutal nature (the murder of Lennie). The symbolic image of the rabbits is also first introduced here and is repeated throughout the story to represent Lennie’s dream of tending rabbits with George. The rabbits featured in The Brush at the beginning are real ones, whereas at the end of the novel they are in his imagination. Yet again we see Steinbeck using the literary technique of contrast, this time between reality and imagination. The fact that this setting is the one in which Lennie is killed could be seen as ironic. The Brush is a location where dreams are both …show more content…
One of these items is a ‘four-taloned Jackson fork’, this was a commonly used machine used to lift hay back in the 1930s. Steinbeck’s reference to this specific machine adds authenticity to the setting. This is then followed by the introduction of animal life and finally, humans. This order Steinbeck uses to introduce readers to the setting is also used for The Brush; nature, animals, humans. This order could be Steinbeck conveying the idea that nature’s beauty is ruined by the human-race. Steinbeck’s repetition of this format reminds us of the unchanging state of nature and the beauty that can be found before mankind disturbs the peace. This links to the theme of violence in the way that violent events take place here. The fact that Lennie’s puppy also dies at this setting could be Steinbeck again using the literary technique of foreshadowing to foreshadow the death of Curley’s wife. After considering all this we can assume that readers may not trust this setting and feel intimidated by it due to its heavy association with violence. Steinbeck uses the setting of ‘Susy’s Place’ to explore the context of the novella.