Theme Analysis

In last week's blog response, I asked you to select a theme that "hit home" with you the most.  Now that you have set your sights on a theme you would most like work with some more, it is time to test your skills of analysis.  Scan through the last chapter (6) in Of Mice and Men and see if you can pull out a moment from the text that, upon close reading, says something about your selected theme.


My theme: Power vs powerlessness

Example: "Lennie obeyed him. George looked down at the gun." (Steinbeck 106)

This quote shows that Lennie is a character that has little power. When George tells him to do something, he does because he is afraid of what will happen if he does not.We see in the book that George can be very powerful. Lennie has little power because he does everything George says. He may be strong, but when it comes to making decisions, he is not the one in power. In the last chapter, Steinbeck shows how powerful George is when he takes the gun and uses it to kill his alliance. The theme of power vs powerlessness is evident in the last chapter.  

So why did George kill Lennie any way? Check out this article to see for yourself!
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6350367/1/Why-Did-George-Kill-Lenny-Essay

Chapter 6 Notes

Prediction

When George found Lennie by the bush, I predicted that Lennie and George would run away together. I thought this because earlier in the book, when Lennie was accused of rape, George helped him and they ran away. I thought that George would do the same thing, but instead he ended Lennie's life.

Question

When Lennie started to picture the rabbit  I got confused. Why was he picturing the rabbit? Was it a symbol of guilt? Is Lennie losing his sanity? What point is Steinbeck trying to make by including the rabbit as a character?

Connection

When George shot Lennie, it reminded me of how Slim shot Candy's dog. Candy's dog was very sick, and was probably going to die soon. Shooting him would put him out of his misery. Like Slim, George shot Lennie to make someones life less painless.

Summary

The last chapter in Of Mice and Men  was a section full of unexpected twist and turns. It started with Lennie hiding by the bush, waiting for George to be his savior. When he is their, imaginary visions appear in his head of his Aunt, who is dead, and a big rabbit. These visions symbolize the guilt Lennie feels about killing Curley's wife and it also symbolizes his guilt for letting George down. George finally reaches the bush, to find Lennie. George does not scold him, nor does he yell, he just told him to look away from him and look at the ocean. George begins to tell Lennie the story about how they will live in the future, and how Lennie will get to tend the rabbits. George has a gun aimed at Lennie, and as Curley and the rest of the men start to appear, George kills Lennie to put him out of his misery.

Novel Reaction: Thinking Forward

We have investigated many captivating themes that exist in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men over the last few weeks.  You have explored the desperation and poverty of the American 1930s through pictures and video.  You have witnessed how John Steinbeck used naturalism to portray certain characters as "human beasts" acting on impulsiveness and instinct for self-preservation.  You have examined how the author used literary devices such as sentimentalism, diction, tone, parallelism, and foreshadowing in order to propel these themes.  You have close-read and analyzed the text digging deeper and deeper for evidence of themes such as Power vs. Powerlessness, Individual vs. Community, The American Dream, Euthanasia, Racism, Loneliness, and maybe even a little Sexism.  Pat yourself on the back!  You have been critically thinking about this novella on so many different levels. 

For this week's blog response, you need to make some pretty serious decisions!  We are quickly approaching the time where you will be expected to write your Research Paper based on a topic of interest from Of Mice and Men.  If you have been keeping up with your reading, completing your notes, participating in conversations and activities during class on the various themes, and completing your blog responses this choice will be fairly easy!  If not, you may be in for a struggle....
What topic or theme that we have touched on during this unit has "hit home" with you the most?  Which theme or topic has a personal connection for you?  Which did you find most captivating or interesting to discuss and investigate during this unit?  Select a topic/theme from the list above that peaks your interest, and, in this week's blog response, discuss why you find it fascinating, which moment in the story you think about when reflecting on this theme, and how this theme is relevant in today's world

The theme that "Hit Home" the most for me was the theme of power vs powerlessness. I was very familiar with that topic.

Again, the theme of power vs powerlessness has a personal connection for me. I always think of my dad and I because he has power over me because he is my father and sometimes he'll take advantage of that.

I found the theme of sexism very interesting. The fact that women were so different from men in this time period really caught my attention.

The theme of power vs powerlessness is strangely fascinating to me. I really like how the book shows how powerful some people are and how they can control another person like a puppeteer controls his puppets. 

This theme is evident in a lot of areas in the book. Specifically, the theme is shown through the characters Lennie and Curley's wife. When Lennie was feeling Curley's hair for too long, she screamed, "Let go" (Steinbeck 91). Lennie did not let go. Curley's wife was powerless; she had no control over the situation. Lennie was powerful and would not let go.  

This theme is relevant in our world today. In jobs, or simply in a family, there is those who rule and those who struggle to obey the ruler. For example, in current jobs today, bosses have control over their employers. If the boss says jump, the employer says how high. In our society, power vs powerlessness is a grievous event that occurs in everyday life. Also, in families this is seen. Some parents use a controller to manipulate their children. It's as if in our society children sometimes do not have a mind of their own, their actions are controlled by the one who holds their controller. 

Check out this link on the powerlessness of children in our society
http://www.parentingforsocialchange.com/power.html

Chapter 5 Notes

Predictions

I predict George will not let Lennie tend rabbits  Lennie killed his pup, which shows that he is not trusting and probably cannot handle small animals like rabbits. I believe George will no longer just Lennie with small animals.


Connections

Like Curley's wife, when I am rambling on about something, I keep asking the person I am talking to if they are listening. Curley's wife asked Lennie if he was paying attention because she wants to make sure he's listening. I tend to do that to because I want to make sure the person I am talking to is listening.

Questions

When Lennie is feeling Curley's wife's hair, I had was confused. Why wouldn't Lennie let go? Why wouldn't he stop holding on? I know Lennie covered Curley's wife because he did not want George to find out, but why would he do something so mean that can be considered rape?

A Portrait of Racism

Chapter 4 in Of Mice and Man, paints a very realistic portrait of racism in the 1930s.  Discuss at least two ways in which racism is explored in this chapter.  Include quotes and your own analysis of key moments in this chapter that clearly demonstrate the racism that existed in the American 1930s.  What do readers understand about racism as a result of reading this chapter?

Racism is explored in two ways. First, the reader learns that there is racism in the 1930's by the way Curley's with talked to Crooks. Crooks is African American, so he is treated differently. Curley's wife said, "Well, you keep your place then, nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny."(Steinbeck 81) By this quote from the story, it is obvious that African Americans were not treated fairly during this period of time. Curley's wife called Crooks a "nigger," as if it was no big deal to call a colored man nigger. Also, Curley's wife said she could hang him on a tree. That shows how harsh racial difference is. Another way racism is explored is when Crooks yells at Lennie and Candy for being in his room. He says  that is is not okay for a white man to be in a colored mans room.Through these two moments, racism is evident. 

The reader learns that racism was tough in the 1930s. It was hard to be colored because you did not have the same rights as everyone else. You could not share a room with men with other skin colors. Colored people were called "niggers," instead of African american. Racism was harsh during this time period. 

Check out this link on racism in the 1930's
http://xroads.virginia.edu/~ug02/newyorker/race.html

Chapter 4 Notes

Prediction

When Lennie and Crooks are talking, Lennie told Crooks about his dream to live and tend rabbits. I predict that Lennie is going to get yelled at by George because he was not suppose to tell anyone. Also, I think Crooks will want to join them because he is not treated nice at the bunkhouse because of his race.

Question

When Crooks starts talking to Lennie about George leaving him, I got confused. Why was Crooks purposely making Lennie worry? Is Crooks making Lennie feel bad because he feels bad? Does Crooks find himself similar to Lennie, because in a way, they are both less powerful in society?


Connection

Like Lennie, sometimes when I get really excited about something, I have the need to tell everyone about it. Lennie told Crooks about how Candy, George, and himself are going to live on their own land and tend rabbits because he was so excited. This reminded me of how I told my mom about her surprise birthday party. I was not suppose to tell her but it slipped out because I was so excited. Like Lennie, when I get excited, I sometimes tell people things I should not have.

Investigating Themes in Of Mice and Men

1.)  What different forms of power exist in Of Mice and Men?  What kind of power does Lennie have?  What kind of power does George have?  What kinds of power or powerlessness do other characters possess?  

Different forms of power is shown in Of Mice and Men. Through characters, power is shown. First, the power the brain exists in the book. Lennie is a character who has power over Lennie because he is smart. Being smart is a type of power. In addition, power of strength is shown in the story. For example, Lennie is a character that has the power of strength. Although he is not smart, he is powerful because he is strong and George needs him to make money. Different kinds of power appear in Of Mice and Men.

George is very powerful character. Although George is small, he is powerful because he has control over Lennie for the most part and is smart. For example, when Curley was in a fight with Lennie, George yelled, "Get 'im , Lennie." (Steinbeck 63) By this example, the reader can tell that George has power to tell Lennie what to do. Unlike Lennie, George is very smart, so he knows what to do, which makes him powerful. George is a powerful character because he is smart.

Some characters from Of Mice and Men possess powerlessness. For example, Lennie can be considered powerless because of he is not smart like George. When Curley tried to beat up Lennie, he let him attack him because he did not know what to do. He lacks in making good decisions, which makes him appear powerless. Also, George can be considered powerless because of his size. For example, when George was being mean, Lennie said, "I could go off in the hills there. Someplace I'd find a cave." (Steinbeck 12) When Lennie said that, George realized that Lennie is actually very powerful because he is the one that makes them money. George needs Lennnie as much as Lennie needs him. George and Lennie may have their strengths, but are also both powerless in some things.

Check out this link I found about the powerful!
http://www.nytimes.com/1982/11/09/science/how-does-power-affect-the-powerful.html



This pictures shows how Lennie and George both need each other.

Chapter 3 Notes

Connections

When George was talking to Slim about Lennie, the way the characters described Lennie reminded me of a friend I had. My friends little brother used to hit him and throw things at him, but my friend never touched him. My friend reminded me of Lennie because George said that he beat Lennie up, but Lennie would not do anything. My friend is just like Lennie because he never wanted to start fights. (Steinbeck 40)

When Carlson and Candy are talking about Candy's dog, it reminded me of my the decision my family had to make about my dog. My dog, Jake, was very sick, and my family had to decide to put him down because he was so ill. Candy's decision to keep his dog or not reminded me of the decision my family had to make. (Steinbeck 45)

Predictions

After reading about Candy's conversation in the bunkhouse, I predict that Candy will end up shooting his dog. Everyone keeps telling him that his dog is so old, and shooting him would be good for the dog because it would take him out of his pain. I believe that Candy will listen to his roommates and take away his dogs pain.  (Steinbeck 45)

I predict that Curley's wife is going to cheat on Curley with George. There is a lot of foreshadowing going on about Curley's wife. It is obvious that she is trouble. Whit told George that she always has her eyes on people and George does not like Curley because he hates his guts. This foreshadowing leads me to predict that Curley's wife is going to cheat.

Summary

Chapter three starts with Lennie being given a puppy from Slim, which he becomes very attached to. George tells Slim about his and Lennie's relationship, how they ended up as a team, and how they had to run away because Lennie was accused of rape. In addition, Candy's dog, who is very old and ill, ends up being put out of misery by Carlson. Although it seemed like a good idea at first, Candy ends up feeling regret. Curley comes into the bunk house, looking for his wife, but the men have not seen her, so Curly asks were Slim is, and goes to the barn to find Slim, followed by Carlson and Whit. When they leave, George tells Lennie about their dream house and Carlson becomes interested in the plan, so they decide that if all of them put their money together, they should be able to move out in a month, but it must be kept a secret. As Slim and the rest of the men appear, Slim gets annoyed by Curley's  accusations, and Curley gets mad. Curley takes his anger out on Lennie,making him bleed, but Lennie does not attack until George tells him to. Lennie ends up crushing his hand, but Curley agrees not to tell the doctor that Lennie did it.

Chapter 2 Notes

Connections

Page 24: When George and Lennie are talking and George sees an old man that he believes is listening in to his conversation, it reminded me of myself. Like George, I cannot stand when people are nosey. It is one of my biggest pet peeves. 

Questions

Page 22: When Lennie is talking to the boss, I did not understand why he lied to the boss. I understand they are desperate for the job but still what if the boss found out they lied? Would the boss fire them?

Page 25: When George and Lennie are in the cabin talking to to the swamper and Curly comes in, I got confused. Why did Curley have such a bad attitude? Why was he picking a fight with Lennie?

Predictions

Page 26: I predict Lennie and George are going to get into a fight. Steinbeck uses the method of foreshadowing to show that a fight will probably occur. Curley was being rude to Lennie and George, which shows that they probably will get into a fight. Also, the swamper said that Curley is always picking fights with big guys like Lennie. 

Naturalism as a Mirror of the 1930s

 Literature is often a reflection of the time period in which it was written or, in the case of historical fiction, of the time period it is focused on.  Authors will often find sneaky little ways to demonstrate the dominant characteristics of the time period by blending in details, that, at a closer glance, reveal these hidden themes.

     In class, we viewed several videos (in the LitByFleming blog video bar) that gave us a look at some major events and common themes or characteristics of the 1930s.  John Steinbeck certainly considered these elements when writing Of Mice and Men.  In fact, it might be said, his writing style intentionally made use of naturalism in order to capture and expose some of the attitudes and characteristics of the American 1930s.
     Let's see if you can make the connection!  Think about some of  the naturalistic elements we identified in class (Chapter 1).  What aspects or characteristics of the 1930s are being demonstrated to us at those moments in the text?  What do you believe John Steinbeck was trying to show us or expose about the way people, life, or society was during this time in American history? 


Through the book, Of Mice and Men, characteristics of naturalism are being demonstrated. For example, on page 2, Steinbeck says, "...he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws." This shows that Steinbeck is trying to prove that the people of the 1930's had animal like actions. They were tired and uncivilized. In addition, Steinbeck tries to prove that people of the 1930's were uncivil by comparing Lennie to a horse. It stated on page 3, "... drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse." The traits of the characters are not well behaved and desperate, as the reader can tell by seeing Lennie's actions. Through moments in the text, characteristics are revealed. 


During this time period, John Steinbeck tries to show his readers about the way of life.We learn by reading that the 1930's was a period of depression, desperateness, and surly people. First, on page 3, it stated, "His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool" This showed that during this time period people were desperate. When  they found water, they acted like desperate, dying for water so bad. Also, the people behaved different. People were more aggravated because of the hard time period they live in. On page 11, the reader sees how angry George gets, and the crazy temper he had. This shows how people behaved in the 1930's. Lastly, we learn that living conditions were hard. In the story, the reader is told that all George and Lennie eat for dinner is beans straight from the can. They do not have a designated home, and do not have a stove, sink, or even clean water to drink. Steinbeck preaches that the 1930's are an unpleasant place to live in.

Check out this link on naturalism!
http://www.naturalism.org/

Chapter 1 Notes

Questions:

Page 4: George and Lennie are involved. This part of the story takes place by river that the two had just come across.
I wonder why Lennie imitates George? Is George his role model? Is George his older brother?

Page 11: When George is screaming about how happy he could be without Lennie, I got confused when he brought up something that happened. He talked about Lennie "touching a dress."
Did Lennie try to steal a dress? Why was Lennie in trouble for touching the dress?
Predictions

Page 12: I predict that Lennie will run away. I believe this because George keeps taking his anger out on him, and Lennie keeps saying that he is going to run off. I believe that eventually, when George pushes him to hard, Lennie will run away.

Connections

Page 9: When Lennie found water, it reminded me of a scene in the book, The Hunger Games. When the main character, Katniss, found water, she was so relieved just like Lennie. Finding water after being thirsty for so long was a relief for both characters.

Page 11: When George exploded with anger, it reminded me of a man I used to know. He would have his anger bottled up, and then eventually just exploded with anger and take it out on someone, like George took his anger out on Lennie.

Picturing the History Behind Of Mice and Men

For a moment the place was lifeless, and then two men emerged from the path and came into the opening by the green pool.
     They had walked in single file down the path, and even in the open one stayed behind the other. Both were dressed in denim trousers and in denim coats with brass buttons. Both wore black, shapeless hats and both carried tight blanket rolls slung over their shoulders. 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. Behind him walked his opposite, a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely.

     The first man stopped short in the clearing, and the follower nearly ran over him. He took off his hat and wiped the sweat-band with his forefinger and snapped the moisture off. His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself. (1.2-4)

Sound familiar? Kind of like the pictures, right? In writing, compare and contrast this opening section from Of Mice and Men to the pictures you analyzed in class. What does the text and the photographs show us about the 1930s?  Be specific!

    The pictures and opening section from Of Mice and Men shared common traits. The second sentence described  men wearing black hats with "tight blanket rolls slung over their shoulder." This sentence paints an image in the readers head that looks just like picture number two. Although the book and picture are similar,  in the book the there is more than one man being described. In the photo there is only one man, strongly symbolizing the loneliness of the man. Also, the author describes that appearances of  the people during this time period which can link with picture three. The author stated that the man was, "dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features." This is similar to picture three because it shows how the appearances of  people were different in this period of time.The woman in picture three looked like she hadn't sleep in months  plus she had strong features, like the men in the story. Although the picture and the reading did have some in common, there were differences between them. In the picture, there is a woman, unlike the reading. In the reading there is a man being described. Even though they are two different totally different types of people, they both share common features. The reading had a big relation to the pictures seen.

  The text and  pictures reveal a ton about the 1930's. They show that the time period was full of desperate working conditions, sadness, loneliness, racism  and of course, depression. People were desperate for jobs, no matter what condition they were in. Also, racism was evident in picture number four. It showed that African Americans were not treated the same way as others. They were referred to a "colored."  Sadness is showed in the reading and pictures because there's shortages of jobs and life is very difficult. The story and pictures show that the 1930's were not a pleasant place to live in