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/