Of Mice and Men

Body paragraphs
Statement: Relates to conventions (the readers basic expectations of how a narrative text will convey meaning). Be specific, do not just say meaning is created. CONVENTIONS Plot Setting Character Themes / ideas

Explanation: How are these conventions explored by the author? Identify specific techniques. eXample: Evidence from the text that demonstrates your previous points. Use selectively chosen, direct quotes. Analysis: How is the meaning created, does the character change, or is a particular setting repeated with subtle differences? Here is an opportunity to relate the text to a broader context or the course concept language in action.

Response: The best students consider alternative responses to the way an author is positioning readers.

Of Mice and Men

Some examples

Steinbeck writes about nature to explore his characters. He uses a metaphor to show that Lennie is like an animal when Curley stood crying, his fist lost in Lennies paw This shows that Lennie is dangerous and can perhaps be unpredictable, as moments before he had been smiling with delight at the memory of the ranch. Steinbeck describes Lennie in this way to subtly suggest that he, like an animal, reacts instinctively to the immediate situation. It does however form a pattern of behaviour which can be traced through the novella, leading to the death of Curleys wife. While most readers would be shocked by the tragic ending to Of Mice and Men, others would have recognised how the event is foreshadowed throughout the text. Appreciating the relationship between George and Lennie is crucial to understanding the way readers are positioned to feel about friendship in Of Mice and Men. While the protagonists are opposites in many ways, it is what makes them similar, their shared bond, which sets them apart from the other characters. This is exemplified by the line, cos I got you and you got me, which shows that they recognise the significance of their friendship. It is further reinforced during Georges conversation with Slim, where the two men agree that guys get mean if they are too isolated. Finally, when George has to make the sickening choice to shoot Lennie, the development of their friendship throughout the story helps to position readers to see this as a kind, humane act. Many readers would feel sympathy for George and see the courage behind his actions, however others may feel that Lennie should have paid for killing Curleys Wife, regardless of whether he intended her harm. The readers that feel sympathy for Lennie often do so because of the initial characterisation of Curleys wife, as jailbait and a tart. It is a very negative representation of women. In the Depression era that this story was set, men like George and Lennie were right to be wary of women with such reputations, as they may not have had much, but at least they were employed. The symbolism of Curley wifes entrance, dressed in red, a colour representative of danger, seduction and power, highlights the role her character is likely to play in the story. Her behaviour is provocative and her constant need for attention eventually leads to her demise. Despite Steinbecks efforts to present her differently in death, when all the scheming had left her face, most readers would feel that she must bear some responsibility for her fate.