Soren's English Journal

English Controlled Assessment; “Of Mice and Men”, Isolation PLAN

Isolation

Steinbeck uses
Prejudice – Sexism, Racism, purpose.
Characters – Crooks, Curley’s wife, Candy and Lennie.

Dreams – The Fat of the land, rabbits, Show biz.
Characters – Curley’s wife, Lennie, Candy and George.

Setting – Soledad, The Great Depression
Characters – George and Lennie.

Weakness – Curley’s wife is vulnerable, Lennie is incapable, George can’t fight for his dream and Curley resents being a small man.

Quote of isolation

Slim looked through George and beyond him. “Ain’t many guys travel around together,” he mused. “I don’t know why. Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.” (2.179)

It’s really interesting that this comment comes from Slim. Of course, it characterizes how all those people drifting in poverty across the country and looking for work are feeling, but Slim’s the ranch’s own local megastar. He, who can do no wrong, intimidate any man, and kill a fly with a bull whip, seems to have the same feelings as everybody else about the whole world. It’s a lonely and scary place.

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One response to “English Controlled Assessment; “Of Mice and Men”, Isolation PLAN”

  1. Christopher Waugh Avatar
    Christopher Waugh

    It looks to me like you have a very confident grasp of the relationship between prejudice and isolation and you have made some astute observations.

    It will be important to explore the language Steinbeck uses to reinforce the ideas – you can examine metaphors used to describe characters or the setting or even examine the selection of words where you find them to be particularly effective.

    The deeper analysis should also look into the consequences for characters who ‘dared to dream’. I wonder what your thoughts are about Slim in this respect?

    I look forward to reading your final piece – let me know if you have any further questions.

    Mr Waugh

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