Category: John Steinbeck

Introduction to Steinbeck and Symbolism John Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California in 1902 and is the author of many famous novels such as The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden, and Of Mice and Men and he is known as one of the greatest storytellers of the 19th century. His novels are known for…

Of Mice and Men (1937), a quintessential masterpiece of American literature. Have you read it? Didn’t think so. It’s a rarity to find someone who’s an avid fan of classics, they’re usually just too boring for mainstream audiences, but here’s the thing: Of Mice and Men is different from all the self-proclaimed ‘classics’ because it’s…

Pity is very complicated. Steinbeck has a pitiful tone towards both of his major characters when they go through difficult times. Steinbeck shows his pity for the character of Lennie as he struggles and fails to stay out of trouble at his new job. When Lennie is first introduced, it quickly becomes clear that even…

In Literature, symbols are used in order to produce impact and accomplish additional meaning to the story. In stories there is normally always some symbolic meaning behind the authors writing, this reflects the purpose for writing the piece. In his short story “The Chrysanthemums,” John Steinbeck uses symbols to represent the main character, Elisa Allen,…

The Chrysanthemums gives us more of an insight into Steinbeck’s life. The Chrysanthemums setting is similar to Salinas in which Steinbeck was born and raised. Elisa Allen is said to resemble Steinbeck’s first wife. Elisa, like Carol, was talented and beautiful, but she was also the more “masculine” one. It is not until the climax…

In the novel “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, human beings are portrayed to no longer work hard enough to acquire long-term desires or dreams that they have set. This idea is proven in multiple instances for the duration of the story. It starts with Lennie and George wanting to purchase their farm. In…

Steinbeck’s use of the word “silence” plays a vital role in communicating the characters’ difficulty with emotional commitment during this period in time. The many characters in the book, Of Mice and Men, all face forms of alienation and loneliness. Steinbeck associates sound with an activity that allows hope to happen. For George, the sound…

John Steinbeck’s ‘Of Mice and Men’ opens with a vivid scene that sets the stage for the complexities of human relationships and the harsh realities of the Great Depression era. This critical essay explores the significance of the opening scene, examining its thematic depth, character introductions, and foreshadowing elements. Steinbeck’s choice to begin the novel…

Introduction Naturalism in literature is characterized by a focus on depicting the harsh realities of life, often emphasizing determinism and the influence of environment and heredity on human behavior. John Steinbeck’s novel, “Of Mice and Men,” exemplifies naturalistic elements through its portrayal of characters, settings, and themes. Steinbeck’s own experiences as a migrant worker during…

The theme of loneliness is presented in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. In the novel Of Mice and Men, loneliness is an important emotion that often drives the characters to behave in a different manner to usual. Steinbeck uses characters, some of the most important ones including Curley’s wife, Candy, and Crooks, to reflect…