Annotation Focus: Examples of imagery
Steinbeck characterizes Lennie with descriptive language
that creates an image of an animal. In a paragraph analysis, define Steinbeck’s
purpose for this characterization of Lennie and analyze what literary elements
(besides imagery) he uses to achieve his overall purpose.
Steinbeck use imagery to provide the readers with
information about the setting, characters, and the dream. Identify
the most significant passage which uses imagery and then analyze how the characters
are reflected in the setting.
In the novel, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, imagery is used to portray Lennie, one of the main characters, as an animal. According to the novel, Lennie resembles a dog. This is shown when “Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water…” (Steinbeck 3). Lennie did with his hand what a dog normally does when they play in the water using their paws to swim and play with. Steinbeck also uses foreshadowing to display Lennie as a four legged canine. In the novel, George barks orders to Lennie as if he were the alpha male. When George demanded Lennie give him the mouse, “Lennie’s closed hand slowly obeyed” (Steinbeck 6). Dogs typically obey their master when told to perform an action which is how Lennie is with George. This also foreshadows that since George is the dominant partner that Lennie will obey his orders and listen to what he has to say.
ReplyDeleteIn Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses imagery to inform the readers of the characters personality and how the setting affects them. George is the more dominant partner and Lennie is the brainless and dull one. Typically, Lennie is shown as the follower. “George lay back on the sand and crossed his hands under his head, and Lennie imitated him…” (Steinbeck 7). Not only is Lennie mirroring George's actions but the setting is also conveyed. The sand and crossed hands represent peace and detachment from noise and people. Being with Lennie in this type of environment conducts George's dream of “living easy and maybe have a girl” (Steinbeck 7). The setting surrounding both characters forms desires of being without one another or having someone else rather than their companion.
In response to your paragraph, I agree with your explanation of Lennie’s inferiority to George by use of imagery. However, I believe you did not analyze the reason for Steinbeck’s comparison of Lennie to a dog thoroughly. When Steinbeck wrote, “Like a terrier who doesn’t want to bring a ball to its master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again” (Steinbeck 9), he created the image of a trained, yet reluctant pet. This quote introduces important character development by symbolizing Lennie’s reluctance to be controlled, but how naturally it comes to him. The text explained more in-depth about Lennie’s wild personality versus his trained demeanor than what you analyzed. I am unsure as to why you included the first couple sentences of your second paragraph in which you speak of Lennie’s inferiority again considering that idea did not connect to your perception of the setting’s association with the characters’ dream of an easy life. Nevertheless, I found your analysis to be an interesting point that I do agree with. When George said, “I could get along so easy and so nice if I didn’t have you” (Steinbeck 7) in regards to Lennie, he supports your theory that George desires a life without Lennie because he believes it would be easier, like the setting he is enjoying. The setting of the soft sand and quiet clearing symbolizes the easy life George dreams of, as you evaluated.
DeleteIn your response you stated that George barks orders to Lennie as if he were the alpha male. You continued by saying that dogs typically obey their master when told to perform an action which is how Lennie is with George. To further provide to this response, according to the book George says "I could get along so easy and so nice if I didn't have you on my tail" (Steinbeck 7). Much like you said, Lennie follows George around like a lost puppy and is constantly at his tail. However, there are times when animals must break away from the pack and a new leader needs to emerge. In a sense Lennie could eventually stop acting like a wild animal and step up to be a leader like George. Although, Lennie with his disability seems unlikely to become a leader. In your second response you state that the environment conducts George's dream of "living easy" (Steinbeck 7). In a turn of events, George could become the wild animal like Lennie. George constantly states that Lennie is troublesome and a nuisance. George like the leader he is could get rid of Lennie. George could ditch Lennie because of the "crazy bastard" (Steinbeck 6) that he is. If he were to leave Lennie, George could live an easy life. Animals for the most part have a tendency to get rid of the runt of the litter, which is what Lennie is. If George were to get rid of Lennie it would make him the wild animal because he abandoned a member of his group.
DeleteIn Of Mice and Men Steinbeck has a purpose for the way he describes each character, especially Lennie. In chapter one Steinbeck describes Lennie as an animal, “he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws” (Steinbeck 2). The author portrays Lennie in this manner so the reader can learn of Lennie’s animalistic behavior and actions. In order to further inform the reader of his purpose, Steinbeck uses figurative language when describing Lennie’s actions, “drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse” (Steinbeck 3). By using this simile, Steinbeck has further shown the extent of these animalistic actions. Since the author has shown Lennie in this way, the reader can predict that Steinbeck is foreshadowing a major event where the character will use this behavior in a negative way. So far, Steinbeck has used imagery and figurative language to convey his overall purpose.
ReplyDeleteThroughout chapter one of Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses vast imagery to describe the characters and their surroundings. However the passage on pages one and two, “there is a path...men who have sat on it” (Steinbeck 1&2), is the most significant. In this passage, Steinbeck describes the path that has been beaten down due to the many people who have traveled on it, “a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches...beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway” (Steinbeck 1&2). The characters, Lennie and George, travel down the path to escape the dangers and authority that follows them, just like the tramps and young boys. The two men plan to stay the night just like many before them have, “there is a ash pile made by many fires; the limb is worn smooth by men who have sat on it” (Steinbeck 2). The reader can infer that the path is a sanctuary for the characters to escape the troubles that follow them, thus creating a relation between the characters and the setting.
Steinbeck does seem to foreshadow Lennie’s animalistic behavior, to be used negatively in the future. He has to constantly be told again and again what to do and what not to do. Lennie is shown to be unaware to what is socially acceptable in the world. Lennie’s animalistic behavior could have him end up in a situation in which George has to get him out of. Just as he did with the “girl’s dress-“(Steinbeck 11) in which Lennie “jus’ wanted to pet it” (Steinbeck 11). This information shows how much trouble Lennie had been in the past that will most likely repeat in the future.
DeleteThe path being a sanctuary for them is evident because the two instantly relax when they arrive at the bank. Lennie “flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool” (Steinbeck 3). George “took off his hat and wiped the sweat band with his fore finger” (Steinbeck 3). At that moment the two were in a state of peace. This is probably the reason why George wanted to stay. The place was cut off from the outside world. The men were able to forget about the problems that plagued them, before they resumed their job in the harsh world. It was their sanctuary.
KENNEDY
ReplyDelete1.)
Lennie is introduced as "a huge man, shapeless of face, with large pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders" (Steinbeck 2). He is (as he is being described) associated with the actions of an animal. Lennie is often described as a helpless animal and not just by saying it. Lennie is someone who needs constant care and attention. He uses similes and metaphors to give light of Lennie's current situations. Steinbeck explained him as "a terrier who not want to bring a ball to its master" (Steinbeck 9). Lennie had a reproachful approach such as an animal would, to a new owner. When Steinbeck describes Lennie, you can see a “huge shapeless man” (Steinbeck 2), “…with large pale eyes” (Steinbeck 2), with a burly appearance of a bear but the curiosity and innocents of a puppy.
2.)
Steinbeck has an interesting way of conveying his scenes in the book. He starts it off as a normal way of life. The "sandy banks under the trees" (Steinbeck 1), rabbits coming out of the brush "to sit on the sand in the evening" (Steinbeck 1) in the lifeless place. Steinbeck gives the illusion of harmony in the atmosphere, unlike his main characters. George who is "small, and quick, dark of face with restless eyes and sharp strong features" (Steinbeck 2) interrupts that environment as does his partner Lennie. Against the back drop of the wildlife barely disturbed, these two men are inadvertently causing a commotion. As the two approach the bank, Lennie “a huge man, shapeless of face, with large pale eyes” (Steinbeck 2), flings himself into the still “surface of the green pool” (Steinbeck 3), “snorting into the water like a horse” (Steinbeck 3). George, his companion, shouts at him to stop his snorting which breaks the silence around them. Steinbeck gives the background of silence to enhance his main character’s quirky personalities and relationship with each other
KIRCHNER
ReplyDelete1. Throughout chapter 1, Steinbeck characterizes Lennie using language that creates an animalistic image. The very first thing noted about Lennie when he was introduced into the story was that “he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws” (Steinbeck 2). The fact that this comparison was prioritized in characterizing Lennie proves that being animalistic, or rather inhuman, is a significant aspect of his character. Additionally, later on in the chapter Lennie ”flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool; drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse” (Steinbeck 3). Steinbeck uses this simile show the extent to which Lennie’s behavior is abnormal. His disregard for the safety of the water and eagerness to drink it seem highly unusual, hinting that Lennie may be disabled or insane. These recurring characterizations using comparisons, similes, and images of an animal are used to elicit Lennie’s instinctive actions, lack of common sense and probable insanity.
2. There are numerous examples of imagery in Of Mice and Men that provide information about the setting, characters, and the dream. For instance, the very first sentence states, “a few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green” (Steinbeck 1). Soledad translates from Spanish to “loneliness” in English, which is significant because the lives of many migrant workers in Soledad led lonely lives. However, George and Lennie were a few miles south of Soledad, and just a bit far from loneliness because they have each other's companionship. George realizes this when he says to Lennie, “With us it ain’t like that. We got a future....We don’t have to sit in no bar room blowin’ in our jack jus’ because we got no place else to go. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody [cares]. But not us (Steinbeck 14). The two are surrounded in an atmosphere of labor and hardship, and loneliness, yet they remain optimistic in each other’s company.
Emily’s claim that “Steinbeck characterizes Lennie using language that an animalistic image” (Kirchner 1) can be seen throughout Chapter one. “Slowly, like a terrier who doesn't want to bring a ball to his master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again” (Steinbeck 9) characterizes Lennie in this matter. Although Emily states how Steinbeck uses literary elements such as similes, I disagree that his “disregard for the safety of the water and eagerness drink it...hints that Lennie might be disabled or insane” (Kirchner 1). It might have been the fact that Lennie was dehydrated from walking or another aspect that explains his action with how he drinks the water. Emily’s statement about how Steinbeck creates an image of Lennie in an animalistic way characterizes him by his actions.
DeleteEmily’s speculation that the location of George and Lennie symbolizes their distance from loneliness is exceptionally strong. As stated in her second response, “George and Lennie were a few miles south of Soledad, and just a bit far from loneliness because they have each other's companionship.” (Kirchner 1). The duo is miles away from their destination of “loneliness” and are still among mutual friendship and support. At their location, there are “willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter’s flooding” (Steinbeck 1). The beauty of the renewed, fresh willow trees mirrors the beauty and tranquility of Lennie and George’s companionship, while the debris could represent the hardship and fear attempting to engulf them. However, In each others company, without the stress of labor, the sun shines brighter than it would in dreary Soledad, allowing them to bask in their happiness and grow away from the difficulties dragging them down. The two boys know that they are safe and have a feeling of purpose because, as George exclaimed: “I got [Lennie] to look after me, and [Lennie] got me to look after [him]” (Steinbeck 14). They both take care of each other, and are content to do so. Once they set up camp in the trees, George insisted that “tonight I’m gonna lay right here and look up. I like it.” (Steinbeck 8). George’s reluctance to reach Soledad allows the reader to see past his tough exterior, and into his heart where, above all, he is satisfied with the good that Lennie brings to his life.
Delete1.) Steinbeck characterizes Lennie with descriptive language that creates an image of an animal. Steinbeck through these descriptions is highlighting Lennie’s size and traits, "he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws" (Steinbeck 2). Lennie is physically cumbersome and mentally has the same qualities as an animal. Steinbeck could be comparing Lennie’s mental ability to that of an animal. He is like the animal that wonders through the forest without thinking about the consequences or dangers. Animals much like Lennie act out of pure instinct and don't understand certain things. Animals don't understand that attacking humans is wrong just like Lennie can't grasp the concept of why he can't keep the dead mice. Lennie also mimics the actions that George does. This could be described as an animal behavior considering the fact that certain animals mimic the behavior of their surroundings to keep safe. A chameleon changes to the color of its surroundings to keep safe much like how Lennie seems to copy George's actions to not be judged by the public eye for his different behaviors. It's possible that he mimics George to not be as easily spotted for having a disability. Adding to this Steinbeck uses a simile besides just imagery to describe Lennie, "slowly, like a terrier who doesn't want to bring a ball to its master" (Steinbeck 9). This adds to more of how Lennie acts besides just his physical appearance. This allows for us to see that Lennie looks up to George like a pack of animals would look at its leader. Lennie looks to George for appraisal and gets ashamed if he does something wrong.
ReplyDelete2.) Steinbeck use imagery to provide the readers with information not only about the setting but the characters as well. In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck uses the setting to explain the isolation the characters often feel. This can be seen in the passage "there is a path through the willows and among the sycamores, a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water. In front of the low horizontal limb of a giant sycamore there is an ash pile made by many fires; the limb is worn smooth by men who have sat on it" (Steinbeck 2). This part of the story can be compared to the work, struggles and loneliness the characters feel. The beaten path and the worn out limb can be seen as the work load the characters have gone through to get to where they are now. Worn and beaten out things have usually gone through a lot of hardships which as far as we know, George has had to deal with a lot because of Lennie's disability. Also there is no one else in the woods which shows the loneliness of struggling to find a job. It was extremely hard and lonely work during the Great Depression. The water in this setting can also represent the characters. Water generally cleanses and it becomes a symbol of characters in stories dealing with difficult life scenarios. Water has the ability to free characters from their hardships and be relaxing. Lennie and George use the water to clean themselves and hydrate. By using the water they are washing away the dirt that covered them to get to Salinas. It's essentially washing away their struggles. Also drinking the water purely keeps them hydrated which gives them strength to continue. Lastly there is the ashes left over from the fire. The ashes may represent the burning away of past hardships or conflicts. Lennie and George often have conflicts and the ashes of the fire could symbolize the anger each character holds and the burning away of their problems for the day. Through the setting we can learn a great deal about Lennie and George and possible characters to come.
I agree with Lindsey’s claim that Lennie is like an animal who does not know the consequences or dangers of the forest. It can be further be supported when Lennie “drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse”(Steinbeck 3). He does not know if the water is clean to drink, so he may be risking his health by drinking the water. George tries to stop Lennie’s poor decision by scolding him like an owner would their pet, “Lennie. You gonna be sick like you was last night.”(Steinbeck 3). By yelling these warning at Lennie, George is able to attempt to protect him from future problems and dangers. Also, the worn and beaten path that the two face not only show their struggles, but can also show that Lennie may have faced many hardships before he found George and they began to stick together. This can proved when Steinbeck describes one of the sycamore limbs, “the limb is worn smooth by men who have sat on it.”(Steinbeck 2), the limb symbolizes the people who have “sat on” or taken advantage of Lennie due to his disability.
DeleteTowards the very beginning of the novel, a character named Lennie is introduced. One of his first actions is explained when Steinbeck writes “his huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool; drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse” (Steinbeck 3). Since this scene occurs within the first few moments that Lennie is brought in, it can be ascertained that the author mentions this in order to give a blatant first impression of the character and his image. Aside from using imagery to hint at Lennie’s character’s description, Steinbeck also uses other literary elements. One of these elements is symbolism which is shown in the author’s comparison of Lennie and a horse. Comparing Lennie to a horse symbolizes Lennie’s brain capacity and how he acts, similar to a horse. Another element used is characterization. Basically the first chapter and especially when Lennie is called a horse shows major characterization for Lennie.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the first chapter, both Lennie and George are shown in distinct ways due to Steinbeck’s use of imagery. One example is shown when Steinbeck says “Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes” (Steinbeck 3). Soon after this was stated, Steinbeck wrote “George knelt behind the pool and drank from his hand with quick scoops” (Steinbeck 3). In this setting, Lennie is shown to be immature since he “wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes” like a child would. Also, Lennie is made out to resemble a sort of animal since Steinbeck uses the words “big paw” to describe Lennie’s hand. George, on the other hand, was portrayed in a much different way. Since he “drank from his hand with quick scoops” which was the opposite of Lennie, this shows George’s maturity in this setting.
This response makes a clever point that Steinbeck clearly intended for the reader to think as a first impression of Lennie that he has animalistic qualities by using comparisons very early in the chapter. In fact, the first sentence that introduces Lennie states, “he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws” (Steinbeck 2). Giving Lennie an animalistic, or rather simply inhuman aura, was a priority in his characterization. Therefore, it is a significant part of his character, and it may foreshadow events further into the book where he exhibits inhuman qualities through more notable actions. Moreover, the comparison of Lennie to a horse does indicate that Lennie has the brain capacity of a horse. The disregard for the cleanliness of the water is something one would expect from an animal before a human, suggesting that Lennie may have a mental disability that prevents him from having the brain capacity of a normal human, and that he commonly acts without forethought.
DeleteIn the original response, it is explained that Lennie is described as a horse to symbolize his brain capacity and actions, but there is more to it. Lennie is described as a horse to prove that he has some sort of mental disability. People who have mental disabilities tend to act extremely childish and younger than they are which is how Lennie seems to be acting. Also, George, at one point, said to Lennie, "I could get along so easy and so nice if I didn't have you on my tail" (Steinbeck 7). Since George occasionally wishes he was not with Lennie, but stays with him anyway proves that he has to supervise Lennie. According to his description, Lennie is a "small and quick man with strong hands" (Steinbeck 2). Lennie is an adult and should be responsible enough to be out on his own with any assistance. But he cannot which leads back to the theory of a mental disability. All theses things provide insight on the purpose of Steinbeck's description of Lennie.
DeleteAlexis Romeo
ReplyDelete1. Steinbeck use imagery to provide the readers with information about the setting, characters, and the dream. Identify the most significant passage which uses imagery and then analyze how the characters are reflected in the setting.
1.blog responce
Throughout the first chapter, Steinbeck infuses animal-like traits into Lennie’s characteristics. When the two main characters arrive at the pool of water in the brush, Steinbeck describes Lennie’s interaction with the water, “Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes; rings widened across the pool to the other side and came back again. Lennie watched them go” (Steinbeck 3). With this quote, Lennie’s hand is portrayed as a paw because of its size and even its choreography through the water, and Lennie’s mind is portrayed as if it functioned at the level of an unintelligent animal that could not comprehend how there was not much more his paws could do other than feel the refreshing water. Representing a larger aspect of his personality, his paw-like hand could reflect on his hopes of receiving the little things in life, like some ketchup for his beans or a mouse to repress his urge to stroke other objects, yet his intellectual disadvantages deny the success of bringing theses hopes into reality. Then, when George realizes the mouse he had disposed of before was no longer out of his presence, Lennie is compelled to give it up, “slowly, like a terrier who doesn’t want to bring a ball to its master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again” (Steinbeck 9). Instead of using imagery to paint the picture of a submissive yet also timorous pet, Steinbeck compares and relates the two obedient followers with a simile. By directly setting Lennie next to the terrier, Lennie is being seen as George’s pet; Lennie becomes a figure farther from the treatment of an actual person and closer to the treatment of an animal, and when Lennie “drew back,” he was questioning how his master saw him and what he thought of him as. Steinbeck was mainly attempting to show the reader the reputation many people like Lennie had developed because they did not know what was right from wrong, or they could not fulfill their dreams because they lacked the necessary requirements one needs to independently follow through with those ambitions.
2. For many of the poor, the homeless, and the depressed, dreaming large was the only way to feel satisfaction about the future. As George and Lennie settle down without a roof over their heads and barely any worth to their names, they remembered their plans for the future. Reminding Lennie about his dream, he recites to himself the major details and aspects of the home George and he will play out their fantasy, “go on, George! Tell about what we’re gonna have in the garden and about the rabbits in the cages and about the rain in the winter and the stove, and how thick the cream is on the milk like you can hardly cut it” (Steinbeck 15). Because Lennie tends to fail in seeing the negativity in a situation, all of his thoughts and dreams are filled with enjoyment, wonder, and an uplifting set of eyes. This home he sees himself and George living happily in allows him to do what society would have never accepted from him; he can always stroke the rabbits, occupy his mind, witness the beauty of nature, and enjoy the luxuries he currently would never have the chance to enjoy. Unfortunately, Lennie may never live in that world, and is forced to settle for beans without ketchup, a dead mouse every now and then, and constant disapproval by society of his actions. The only way Lennie could survive reality is to dream of fantasy, but surviving in both worlds will always be impossible if he is on his own. George keeps Lennie from mentally collapsing, and he says he would be better off on his own, yet his world revolves around helping Lennie live his life. In both settings, each main character can live with the aspects of the worlds, but the most important aspect is themselves for the support of each other.
Steinbeck wishes to focus on the description of Lennie because he is a main character and wants the reader to know that he is mentally challenged but does not want to say it straight forward. According to Steinbeck “Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers” (Steinbeck 3). This depicts Lennie and his fat, meaty limbs. Also it is seemed to be depicting him as an animal or a sort of beat. Authors only refer to it being a paw when it is fat and swollen which deems it of little to no use. Steinbeck does not only use imagery to describe how Lennie acts and how he is also portrayed. Steinbeck exclaims “I wasn’t doin’ nothing bad with it, George. Jus’ strokin’ it.” (Steinbeck 9). In society it is not normal to pick up a mouse and pet it as you look for work. This shows Lennie is different than a normal person and may suffer from a mental disability. Without directly saying it or using accurate imagery the reader is able to determine that Lennie is suffering from a disability that makes him slower compared to the other characters.
ReplyDeleteApproximately all of page 13 described the relationship that George and Lennie have. Lennie talks about running away which causes George to reply “No--look! I was jus’’ foolin’, Lennie. ‘Cause i want you to stay with me.” (Steinbeck 13). As much as George hates Lennie he knows Lennie would not be able to make it on his own therefore he must stay and help Lennie through life. George also talks about how he desires to get Lennie a pet that he won't kill when he goes to pet it like the mice. There is either a pup or a rabbit as an option for Lennie and hopefully he will not pet too hard and kill it. The characters are showed as caring just for one page then the go back to the arguing men that they have been for the entire first chapter.
1.) Lennie can be described as a simple man without many complex thoughts. Because of this, Steinbeck chose to use imagery and descriptive language to portray Lennie as someone close to an animal. This character performs simple actions that allude to being somewhat of a brute, “Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes” (Steinbeck 3). Lennie doesn’t display much awareness or complexity. He has somewhat the mind of an animal. Along with imagery, the author used symbolism to show the resemblance between the simplicity of animals and this character. An example of this is, “His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool; drank with long long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse” (Steinbeck 3). The purpose of this characterization is to emphasize the elementary mind of the character Lennie through his forward actions.
ReplyDelete2.) The companions George and Lennie have very few stable things to depend on in their lives, but they do have each other. The two men are forced to move town from town with only a small bindle of possessions. Due to their unfortunate positions, they must rely on each other as they move through the brush of the countryside, however they always manage to find a temporary but peaceful home amongst the chaos of their lives. Despite the hustle of their daily lives, the friends settle down at night, “They made their beds on the sand, and as the blaze dropped from the fire the sphere of light grew smaller; the curling branches disappeared and only a faint glimmer showed where the tree trunks were” (Steinbeck 16). They are aware that they don’t have much, but at the end of the day they have each other’s company, “From the darkness Lennie called, ‘George- you asleep?’” (Steinbeck 16). Neither takes this friendship for granted. The two men are have accepted this bond and are prepared to face life’s challenges together.
Cammie saying that they have an incredibly strong bond and are ready to fight life together is incredibly true. Both characters see their friendship following them throughout their lives. This can be seen in the conversation during the campfire. George covenants Lennie that they’re “gonna get jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs” (Steinbeck 14). The two are planning a life together with each other by their side. Their life challenge would just be to get away from the migrant worker life and to the farm. Their strong bond is also shown when Lennie gets upset and asks if he should just leave George for good. To this, Lennie gets upset and admits he wants “you (George) to stay with me (Lennie)” (Steinbeck 13). Overall, in just one chapter, the strong bond between both Lennie and George is shown and can be seen to be able to last through the arduous parts of their lives and to the farm life they want.
Delete1.) Through imagery, Steinbeck makes a comparison between Lennie and an animal. According to the narrator, “His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool; drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse”(Steinbeck 1). Lennie was easily distracted by something simple. He dropped everything (literally) and ran to the pool to drink the dirty water. Steinbeck described him this way to show that he has a simple mind which is easily distracted, much like that of an animal, in this case being a horse. Through this comparison to an animal, Steinbeck reveals that Lennie is dim-witted and lacks smarts.
ReplyDelete2.) The passage where the two men are described is most significant. First, it shows that George is the smarter of the two. According to the narrator, “The first man was small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. Every part of him was defined: small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin and bony nose” (Steinbeck 1). Sharp is another word for smart and since George has sharp features, it's showing that George is smarter than Lennie is.
I agree with your response that Lennie's comparison to an animal embraces his simple mind. However, I do not believe you fully analyzed the quote you chose. Lennie was easily distracted, but this does not prove his simple mind. In fact, when Lennie goes to retrieve the mouse he was stroking and George adds, "don't you think I could see your feet was wet where you went acrost the river to get it?" (Steinbeck 9) it is shown that Lennie's mind is actually quite complex. Since it is assumed that Lennie was so dedicated to stroking the mouse that he was willing to wet his feet without any other shoes to change into, his intellectuality and commitment is portrayed. Also, you thoroughly explained how George is the smarter man of the two, but did not give in depth reasons for why Lennie was less intelligent. An example of this could have been when George repeatedly told Lennie where they were going, but Lennie could not remember. This shows that Lennie is forgetful and can not hold much knowledge, proving him to be less profound than George.
DeleteIn the first answer you repeat yourself several times. Yes Lennie was described as an animal but you could have took it a step farther and incorporated how he looks. According to the narrator, “Lennie dabbled his big paw" (Steinbeck 3). Here not only did he described his actions, as you mentioned the horse, but also his physical appearance. Also you could expand on why imagery was used instead of anything else. On the second response you seemed to limit yourself to George, maybe you could further explain Lennie and compare and contrast the two men. Only saying George is smarter is very vague and surface information, you could talk in depth how he was a thin man while Lennie was not and how that is interpreted especially in the time period of this book. Lastly, why does is show that George is smarter than Lennie, or more of how does it show this.
DeleteIt is true that Steinbeck used the literary tool of imagery to compare Lennie with an animal, but I strongly believe that your response could have been broadened. In the story’s line “His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool; drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse”(Steinbeck 1) you talk about how easily distracted Lennie is, much like an animal, but the actual motive for this comparison is to show that Lennie is of a learning disability, since he portrays the wild and violent actions of an animal. Also you say that “He [Lennie] dropped everything (literally) and ran to the pool to drink the dirty water”(Ormsby 1) but lack any explanation with this response. It is a mere blurred opinion thrown into your paragraph that neither enhances nor worsens your answer. In attempt to back up your claim, this line actually clouds your initiated statement of Lennie’s mental state. Yes Lennie is “dim-witted and lacks smarts”(Ormsby 1) and “is easily distracted”(Ormsby 1) but different line in the story could have been used in order to prove this. On page 3, you could have used the line in which Lennie “dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes; rings widened across the pool to the other side and came back again”(Steinbeck 3). This line in the book is more significant in order to prove that Lennie is easily distracted because he receives simple pleasure in watching the rings run across the water; a task that someone not of a mental disability would find very unamusing. Overall, your first response is acceptable and to the point, but could have been broadened in order to enhance your response.
DeleteFor your second response, just like your first, I believe that it could have been expanded in order to amplify your claim. You are correct that George is much smarter than Lennie, but do not reinforce this claim with the appropriate amount of evidence. Also, you provide text evidence as to how George is perceived but not for Lennie. Sharp is indeed another word for smart, but is not used in this way in the line “The first man was small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features”(Steinbeck 1). In this line, it is proven that George has certain features that stand out, such as slender arms and a bony nose. If you wanted to prove how each character is portrayed then you could have used the line where Lennie says “I...I ain't gonna...say a word”(Steinbeck 15) and George responded with “Good boy! That's fine, Lennie! Maybe you're gettin’ better”(Steinbeck 15). In Lennie’s line it proves that he is obedient and understanding since he does not want to provoke an angry George. George’s line proves that he is someone who belittles others since he uses simple phrase “good boy” to reward Lennie, much like a dog, instead of a complex and meaningful congratulations meant towards a human. Again, your response is correct but needs improvement in certain areas to maximize your response.
1. In the novel Of Mice and Men, author John Steinbeck describes the main character, Lennie, in such a way that resembles an animal. Having beastly characteristics, Lennie is immense in stature and bear-like in movement. Accordingly, Steinbeck illustrates Lennie’s animalistic tendencies by stating, “Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water… so the water arose in little splashes” (Steinbeck 3). Frequently employing the literary device of symbolism, Steinbeck enhances the characterization of Lennie through animal-like behavior. By describing him as having a “big paw”, Steinbeck portrays Lennie as a large bear to show his power and strength. However, Lennie is amusing himself with splashing water, which creates the idea that he is naïve. Since he finds enjoyment in such a childish whim, he must not understand his unintended force on the water. By simply dabbling his hefty hand in the pool, he produced splashes, which resembles the way a bear will play destructively. Steinbeck’s purpose is to show that Lennie destroys whatever he touches unknowingly and without wanting to, like an animal.
ReplyDelete2. Utilizing imagery as allegories, the author describes the setting to give the reader insight on George and Lennie’s past. When the story begins, Steinbeck opens with elucidating the scenery as “a path through the willows and among the sycamores, a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water” (Steinbeck 1/2). This imagery reveals that the path is secluded between tall trees and has been worn down by years of abuse, which in turn symbolizes the two characters. George and Lennie, though together, are alone in the world, and have been below others for far too long, like the path beneath the trees. Beaten by the boys living in ranches and tramps living nowhere, the path has been stepped on by the rich and poor alike – similar to George and Lennie. The pathway is an allegory for how both characters have been stepped on by those on the top and those on the bottom. They are misunderstood and mistreated by all and that is represented by the setting of the first chapter.
Steinbeck often characterizes Lennie with the descriptive language that creates an image of an animal. He does this in order to give the reader a look at how intellectually disabled he truly is. His actions, much like others, are often simple and crazed, similar to an animal. When he was at the river, Lennie “drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse”(Steinbeck 3). This shows how aggressive and unknowingly ignorant Lennie is in his everyday actions, much like a wild animal. In the beginning of the story Lennie was also “dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws”(Steinbeck 2). Steinbeck is comparing the barbaric movements of this character to a simple minded animal since he himself, is a simple minded individual as well.
ReplyDeleteIn Chapter 1 Lennie finds comfort in the story George always tells him about their future together. Even though George is reluctant at first, he describes to him that “we're gonna get the jack together and we're gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs”(Steinbeck 14). After this, Lennie still wants him to “tell about what we're gonna have in the garden and about the rabbits stove, and how thick the cream is on the milk like you can hardly cut”(Steinbeck 14). This situation is vital in reflecting how the characters are portrayed in the setting. George is reflected as stubborn and easily annoyed, since Lennie continued to ask him to tell the story even though he did not want to. However, George is also perceived as a kind caring man since he ends up telling the story for the sake of Lennie’s comfort and to give him hope for the future. Lennie is portrayed as extremely persistent and needy as he continuously demands George to repeat the story he has heard a million times in order to feel safe and secure. Even though these two characters differ greatly, they somehow seem to even each other out, giving one another hope.
Steinbeck chose to characterize Lennie as animalistic to help the reader understand that he can be forceful and may not always understand the consequences of his actions. The reader realizes this through Lennie’s interactions with his surroundings and other characters. When he and George stop to drink from a stream, Lennie “dabbled his big paw in the water...rings widened across the pool to the other side and came back again. Lennie watched them go. ‘Look, George. Look what I done.’” (Steinbeck 3). Steinbeck’s use of the word paw brings to mind the forceful and occasionally harmful ways animals will poke and prod unfamiliar things, while the use of the word hand would have indicated a softer, more delicate action. Lennie was fascinated and to a certain extent proud of the ripples he caused in the water, indicated by his call for George to see them as well. While many people would expect to see ripples, Lennie seems rather surprised by them, letting the reader begin to understand that Lennie may not always foresee the outcomes of his actions. Lennie’s surprise by the effects of his actions could also be an example of foreshadowing a later event where his actions don’t coincide with his intentions.
ReplyDeleteThere are many good uses of imagery to help the reader understand the dynamics of Lennie and George’s relationship:“Now, look-I’ll give him the work tickets, but you ain’t gonna say a word. You jus’ stand there and don’t say nothing.” (Steinbeck 6). George takes charge of the situation, and gives explicit instructions to how Lennie must act. Lennie is being treated like a child, and seems very accepting of it: “Sure, George. Sure I got it.” (Steinbeck 6). Another example of this dynamic can be seen when they are resting on the sand: “George lay back on the sand and crossed his hands under his head, and Lennie imitated him, raising his head to see whether he were doing it right” (Steinbeck 7). Lennie once again follows George’s lead as to what he must do. George doesn’t seem to really enjoy Lennie’s company, but understands that he must care for him. The relationship seems almost parental, with George being the parent in charge of keeping Lennie out of trouble, to little success.
Zach brings an interesting point to attention that Lennie isn't aware of the consequences of his actions. According to the narrator, "His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool; drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse”(Steinbeck 1). Lennie was thirsty, obviously, and went to get a drink. However, he failed to notice that the water was not clear; it was green. Green water is typically riddled with bacteria and disease. His failure to notice this proves his foresight to be nonexistent, just as a wild animal's is. Much like the horse he was compared to, Lennie acts solely on instinct and leaves reasoning out. Animals in the wild have to fend for themselves and when opportunity for survival arrives, it is vital that they take it. Lennie saw his opportunity for water and took it, despite it being filthy.
DeleteAgain, Zach makes an agreeable point by discussing how the imagery used by Steinbeck translates into how George is a sort of parental figure to the child-like Lennie. According to George, “You never had none, you crazy bastard. I got both of 'em here. Think I'd let you carry your own work card?”(Steinbeck 13). Children are prone to losing their possessions. George knows that if he lets Lennie hold on to his own card, he’ll just lose it. He does this in a way that a mother or a father holds on to their child’s valuables, in fear of them losing it themselves. Lennie seems as if he’s just one large burden to George, however George cares for and takes care of Lennie, much like a parent does to a child.
In characterizing Lennie’s appearance and persona in the novel Of Mice and Men, author John Steinbeck creates the image of an animal in the reader’s mind. Using imagery to convey the character’s traits, Steinbeck states that Lennie is “a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders” (Steinbeck 2). This description of Lennie suggests that he is a fairly prodigious man, one who may be compared to an animal. His large, pale eyes could resemble those of a frightened beast, while his “shapeless face” leaves readers to envisage the uncertain, animalistic features Lennie may have. In addition to the literary tool of imagery, Steinbeck also utilizes similes to portray Lennie’s animal-like behavior. After coming upon a body of water in the forest, Lennie “dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool; drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse” (Steinbeck 3). This simile compares Lennie’s behavior to that of a horse, putting emphasis on his ignorance to the state of the filthy water. Like a wild animal, Lennie does not check the water’s safety before indulging in it, and is rather oblvious to the alleged consequences of his actions. Steinbeck uses these literary tools and portrays Lennie in an animalistic light in order to stress the state of his intellectual disorder and his incapability to behave “normally”. By doing this, Steinbeck brings attention to George’s parental role in his brother’s life, as well as puts emphasis on Lennie’s constant need for supervision and care.
ReplyDeleteThe most important example of imagery in this chapter is both of the brother’s descriptions of their ‘dream lives’. As George begins to tell the story of his wishes and hopes, Lennie repeatedly cuts him off, asking his brother to “tell [him] about what [they’re] gonna have in the garden and about the rabbits in the cages and about the rain in the winter and the stove, and how thick the cream is on the milk like you can hardly cut it” (Steinbeck 14). This reaction exposes Lennie’s aspirations and the amount of time he has put into perfecting them. Although Lennie is repeatedly proven to be incapable of remembering anything, he recites a perfect description of his dream. This depicts Lennie as a hopeful, determined individual, who is eager to find a comfortable, happy life. In comparison, George describes his dream wearily, yet with traces of leftover hope. As he falls into the fantasy of his paradise, George recites that “[they’ll] have a big vegetable patch and a rabbit hut and chickens… and [they’ll] build up a fire in the stove and set around it an’ listen and listen to the rain comin’ down on the roof ” (Steinbeck 14). However, George quickly snaps himself out of this, proclaiming “[he] ain’t got time for no more” (Steinbeck 15). This reaction to his moment of vulnerability and failed dreams exposes a loss of hope and beaten down dreams within George. Unlike his brother, he will not allow himself to indulge in the false hope of happiness, and instead stops himself from becoming too invested in his illusion. This illustrates George as a realist whose hope has long ago left him alone.
TYLER
ReplyDeleteSteinbeck characterizes Lenny as an animal several times throughout the chapter. When introduced into the book, Lenny "nearly ran him over"(Steinbeck 3), which was the first indication of some sort of clumsiness or lack of intelligence in Lenny, which is a use of foreshadowing. You can also argue that Lenny can be compared to an animal by the way he unknowingly kills mice, like a cat. The manor in which he "drank from the surface of the green pool;...snorting into the water like a horse"(Steinbeck 3), a simile to directly compare him to a horse. Steinbeck uses a metaphor when saying "Lenny dabbled his big paw in the water"(Steinbeck 3) another direct comparison. These similarities are used in order to help the reader comprehend the severity of whatever condition Lenny has, as well as display Lenny's behavior. It could also be used to set the tone of depression and misunderstanding throughout the novel, which seems to be the problem for George. He repeatedly displays these feelings in the first chapter, letting Lenny know how better his life would be without him, telling him "if I was alone I could live so easy"(Steinbeck 11).
The last paragraph on page 14 is a great example of imagery which refers to their dream. George and Lenny are reflected upon like a happy family, residing on a farm with several animals, and assumed to be well off financially. Lenny is fixated on the rabbits, as previously mentioned when Lenny asks "tell me - like you done before"(Steinbeck 13). This entire passage shows that although the two men may have their differences, they connect on a deeper level, and both want the same things out of life. This could also be the reason George doesn't want Lenny to leave. This proves to be the most significant passage because it connects the two and helps the reader realize that although George fantasizes about living on his own, he could never do that to Lenny. He simply doesn't feel the way he portrays himself in his rant about how simple life could be without Lenny.
BRIONNA
ReplyDelete1) According to the narrator, "slowly, like a terrier who doesn't want to bring back a ball to it's master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again" (Steinbeck 9). This proves that George is similar to a master and must look out for Lennie. Since Lennie is a grown man, he should be able to take care of himself, but the fact that George is looking out for Lennie shows that something is different about Lennie. Normal human beings will not act like animals or be described as one, but since Lennie is described that way, this proves that Lennie is unlike others. Besides the use of imagery, Steinback uses examples of similes, as seen in the text evidence above, to achieve his purpose of Lennie being different.
2) The most significant passage was on the second page of the story. According to the story, "the first man was small and quick, with restless eyes : small, strong hands, slender arms" (Steinbeck 2). Imagery is used to deeply describe George's features, George is seen as a skinny man with defined features based on the description. Lennie was the opposite of George and "a huge man with large pale eyes, sloping shoulders; walked heavily" (Steinbeck 2). According to the description, Lennie could easily be seen as an extremely upset, yet tough looking guy to others. After reading these descriptions, there is a clear picture of what the men look like.
evelyn
ReplyDeleteSteinback uses literary elements such as dialogue and metaphors to give Lennie an illusion that he is an animal. He compares him to an animal to show that he needs to be taken care of more and is usually treated as one. A metaphor used by Steinback is when Lennie is not drinking the water, but he “continued to snort into the pool” (Steinback 3). Snorting water shows a great amount of thirst and that Lennie does not care about how he looked while drinking, but if he got to drink. Like an animal, Lennie did not show manners most people have and quickly gulped down the water. Once seeing Lennie do this, George tells him that he would “drink out of a gutter if you (Lennie) was thirsty” (Steinback 3). Both Lennie and a wild animal would not care about where their water comes from and most likely do not think about that. All they bother about is if they drink and if they survive. Water is water; dirty or clean to Lennie and to animals.
The most significant passage was when “it was dark, but the fire lighted the trunks of the trees and the curving branches overhead. Lennie crawled slowly and cautiously around the fire until he was close to George. He sat back on his heels. George turned the bean cans so that another side faced the fire. He pretended to be unaware of Lennie so close beside him.” (Steinback 12). Having the setting be the two men by their fire at night shows who takes care of who in the duo. George is definitely the caretaker because he is the one cooking their food. He also seems to be quite forbearing with the other since “he pretended to be unaware of Lennie so close beside him” (Steinback 12) instead of instantly snapping in his face. Lennie is the opposite because he watches George and is always acting “slowly and cautiously around” (Steinback 12) George to make sure that he is doing the right thing.
Evelyn's claim "Water is water;dirty or clean to Lennie and to animals."(Rogers 1) can be fully proved and supported numerous times throughout this chapter. The main concept of Lennie's lack of moral standards is constant. Although George has always been there protecting Lennie he is unable to fully teach him what is right. George had reminded Lennie once again that "you gonna be sick like you was last night" (Steinbeck 3) from drinking the unsafe water but he had disregarded the warning only because he was unable to comprehend it. Showing that he had only wished to quench his thirst; not processing the fact that filthy water could be harmful. There was a disconnect with Lennie and what other people would consider common sense. Again this is shown when the author describes how Lennie " just wanted to feel the girls dress- just wanted to pet it like a mouse." (Steinbeck 11). In society it is not normal to pet a woman's dress, let alone compare it to the feeling of a mouse. Drinking the polluted water,and petting the woman's dress were actions that extended outside society's norms but were not considered wrong to Lennie simply because he did not know any better. The actions that were seen as anomalous were normal for Lennie.
DeleteI agree that the author uses animalistic actions to portray Lennie as a simple-minded character. As you said, Lennie doesn’t care about how he looks. He’s more concerned with simpler ideas as evidenced when he “dipped his whole head under, hat and all, then sat up on the bank and his hat dripped down on his blue coat and ran down is back” (Steinbeck 3). It’s clear early on in the novel that he requires constant attention even when given simple tasks. It is shown that Lennie usually causes difficulties when George earlier scolded him saying, “‘Lennie, for God’ sakes don’t drink so much… Lennie. You gonna be sick like you was last night’” (Steinbeck 3). It seems that Lennie has little self preservation. Because of this I agree with your statement that Lennie is portrayed as an animal to show that he needs to be taken care of and he is treated like one.
DeleteI agree that the passage you chose was very important in the novel. As you mentioned, it portrayed George as the caretaker and Lennie requiring more attention and acceptance than most. In this part of the story it became clear that the two men had an unspoken bond, and both had taken on separate roles in the relationship. At one point George faked an air of being oblivious to Lennie’s close proximity, “He pretended to be unaware of Lennie so close beside him” (Steinbeck 12). This shows that George has quietly accepted Lennie and all that he is. George is understanding that when it comes to his friend, things are much different meaning that he must take care of him. It’s proven to be somewhat of a hassle for George to keep Lennie around as they are constantly run out of town after town for Lennie’s mistakes. However, George chooses to stay by Lennie’s side despite given many opportunities to abandon him. That is why the two can be found huddled around a fire together cooking beans in the middle of a forest. This passage shows the dynamic between the men and lays the foundation for the rest of the book that the two are bonded by something that most do not have. There is a deeper sense of duty and friendship between George and Lennie.
CHRIS
ReplyDeleteSteinbeck wishes to focus on the description of Lennie because he is a main character and wants the reader to know that he is mentally challenged but does not want to say it straight forward. According to Steinbeck “Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers” (Steinbeck 3). This depicts Lennie and his fat, meaty limbs. Authors only refer to it being a paw when it is fat and swollen which deems it of little to no use. Steinbeck does not only use imagery to describe how Lennie acts and how he is also portrayed. Steinbeck exclaims “I wasn’t doin’ nothing bad with it, George. Jus’ strokin’ it.” (Steinbeck 9). In society it is not normal to pick up a mouse and pet it as you look for work. This shows Lennie is different than a normal person and may suffer from a mental disability. Without directly saying it or using accurate imagery the reader is able to determine that Lennie is suffering from a disability that makes him slower compared to the other characters.
Approximately all of page 13 described the relationship that George and Lennie have. Lennie talks about running away which causes George to reply “No--look! I was jus’ foolin’, Lennie. ‘Cause i want you to stay with me.” (Steinbeck 13). As much as George hates Lennie he knows Lennie would not be able to make it on his own therefore he must stay and help Lennie through life. George also talks about how he desires to get Lennie a pet that he won't kill when he goes to pet it like the mice. There is either a pup or a rabbit as an option for Lennie and hopefully he will not pet too hard and kill it. The characters are showed as caring just for one page then the go back to the arguing men that they have been for the entire first chapter.
I disagree with the reasoning behind the author's use of imagery, which seems unlikely that it was because he didn't want to outright call Lenny a derogatory term, considering the background of the book, and the uncensored, negative terms he has already used. Instead, I believe it was because he wanted the reader to comprehend the extent of his disability, as he says things like "Tried and tried... but it didn't do no good"(Steinbeck 4), denoting his severe memory problem. George also claims Lenny would "drink out of a gutter if [he] was thirsty" detailing his lack of decision making. All his imagery and other literary devices used to describe Lenny doesn't provide just the extent of his problem, but also adds an undertone to the way George feels about Lenny. Although George initially seems as if he truly would like to get rid of Lenny, his feelings are quickly altered when Lenny offers to leave George alone, which relates to what Chris said earlier. He is simply frustrated with Lenny, attempting to coax him into getting better, saying things like "Maybe you're gettin better. When we get the couple acres I can let you tend the rabbits alright"(Steinbeck 15). This shows his hidden compassion for Lenny as he appreciates having a companion, which is what Chris said in his second to last sentence.
DeleteReferring to what Chris says in his second paragraph, I both agree and disagree. Though I personally believe that George wanting Lenny to stay with him could be compassion, it could just as well be the realization that Lenny would not survive long by himself, which is shown when George says "somebody'd shoot you for a coyote if you was by yourself"(Steinbeck 13). This quote displays the lack of confidence George has in Lenny in terms of providing for himself, due to his disability. He even provides reasoning why he should stay with him, giving the incentive of rabbits to pet and farm animals to feed, which Lenny was always willing to hear. The dream was not only supported by Lenny, however. George obviously had a large part in the making of their dream, since he was initially the one who created it. This further connects their relationship in being that they both have the same aspirations.
ALICIA
ReplyDeleteThroughout chapter one of Of Mice and Men, the author consistently gives characteristics of a bear to Lennie. The imagery and description the author provides about Lennie allows readers to conclude what is truly wrong with him. After he consumed water from a river, Lennie "dabbled his big paw in the water" (Steinbeck 1). Bear paws are exceedingly different than human hands, for they cannot grasp things that humans can and they are shaped entirely different. Lennie's hand comparison to a bear paw suggests that he has a lack of movement to such an extent that he cannot touch water in a humanly way. A bear would extend their arm differently than a human too, and would touch the water with great curiosity, which also suggest that Lennie is amused and distracted by the simplicity of things. The author also uses foil as a literary device, for George is described as a man with every feature defined: "small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin and bony nose" while Lennie is described as "a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes and wide, sloping shoulders" (Steinbeck 1). This contrast in the two characters implies that George is normal, while Lennie is abnormal. The author's overall purpose of using these literary devices is to display that Lennie has mental disabilities that are evident by his appearance and actions. The simplest movements by Lennie, such as touching water, are different than other humans, and his body and facial appearance is different than others as well. Lennie's actions also show how he is distracted easily and finds simple things intriguing, which suggest his mentality age is lower than his true age.
In chapter one, imagery is utilized immensely by Steinbeck, the author Of Mice and Men. Imagery provides additional information about all aspects of a story, such one of the most significant ones, setting. Chapter one begins with the imagery, "On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and Rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees-- willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter's flooding" (Steinbeck 1). This imagery of the setting reflects George's and Lennie's relationship. Throughout chapter one, George is constantly yelling at Lennie and treating him as if he's a burden, but when Lennie exclaims that he'll go if George wants him to, George replies "I want you to stay with me, Lennie.... Your aunt Clara wouldn't like you running off by yourself, even if she is dead" (Steinbeck 1). It is evident that George cares for Lennie. If his aunt Clara is dead and Lennie caused him that much distress, he would allow him to leave because Aunt Clara is not there to scold George for letting Lennie go. Lennie and George's relationship is like the rocky side of the mountain; it's rough and difficult, but despite all the roughness and difficulties, their relationship is like the trees outlining the water, and the fresh willows, because they do love and care for each other.
Alicia’s claim that George and Lennie’s relationship is “like the rocky side of the mountain” (Torres 1) is remarkably accurate. This theme of George’s reluctant love for Lennie is present all throughout the first chapter, largely in how they speak and interact with each other. George seems rough and callused when dealing with Lennie’s reaction to losing his dead mouse: “[George] heard Lennie’s whimpering cry and wheeled about. ‘Blubberin’ like a baby! J**** Ch****! A big guy like you.’” (Steinbeck 9). George regularly berates Lennie and his choices, and often Lennie does not fully understand what he has done to incur George’s wrath. But even though they argue, George still has a soft spot for his slow companion: “‘Aw, Lennie!’ George put his hand on Lennie’s shoulder. ‘I ain’t takin’ it away jus’ for meanness. That mouse ain’t fresh” (Steinbeck 9). If George really had no feelings for Lennie, he would not have tried to comfort him. His choice to acknowledge how upset Lennie had become proves that while he often mocks him, George really does care for Lennie, despite him claiming “Aunt Clara wouldn’t like you running off by yourself” (Steinbeck 13). George is trying to hide how he feels about Lennie through denial and insults, but on some level Lennie knows George’s true feelings: “Lennie avoided the bait. He had sensed his advantage.”(Steinbeck 13). Alicia’s comparison of their relationship to the rocky side of a mountain is a perfect simile to their coupled dynamics; a rough adventure requiring determination to reach its summit, but surrounded by moments of the beauty and peace of their friendship.
DeleteAlexis R responding to Lindsey T
ReplyDeleteRespectfully, I agree with Lindsey's response about how Steinbeck's language throughout chapter one gives animalistic features to Lennie's character. By comparing his stride and body position to that of a bear in Lindsey's first quote, especially with the direct comparison of Lennie's feet and a bear's paws, Steinbeck is isolating Lennie from normal human aspects and instead categorizing him in another entirely different species. This type of language suggesting animalistic properties can be seen when Steinbeck says, "Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in the little splashes" (Steinbeck 3). Once again, a physical feature, Lennie's hand, was viewed as an inhumane aspect of society. I also agree with Lindsey's claim about how Lennie is mentally detached, like an animal, from ordinary aspects of a person. This can be seen when he absentmindedly yet blatantly drank from the "scummy" water, and George warns him to "never... drink water when it ain't running" (Steinbeck 3). Lacking the common sense one needs in order to drink safe water and drinking from the first water supply he saw, which is what many animals usually do, Lennie comes even closer to Steinbeck's characterization of his relation to an animal.