How Does Steinbeck Use Symbols In Of Mice And Men

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In the book Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck uses powerful symbolism to convey the themes of the novella. George and his partner Lennie have worked on different farms throughout their lives. This story takes place in Salinas, California and covers their conflicts and friendships on the farm. Steinbeck uses symbols like: George and Lennie’s dream, Candy’s dog, and Lennie’s puppy. George and Lennie’s dream is one of the center themes in the novella. They both insist that they are different from other men who travel to different farms alone. "Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don't belong no place… With us it ain't like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us… Someday- we're gonna get the jack together and we're gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an' a cow and some pigs." (pg. 7) The dream they share symbolises their close family-like relationship they share. They are empowered by the fact that they are not alone in achieving their dream. Lennie and George believe that this advantage makes their dream more achievable. The farm …show more content…

"He's all stiff with rheumatism. He ain't no good to you, Candy. An' he ain't no good to himself. Why'n't you shoot him, Candy?" (pg. 2) They believe that Candy should put down his dog to end it’s suffering from its many ailments. Carlson and Slim decide for him that his dog’s life is no longer worth living. This establishes the theme of another person deciding if someone else should die. Later in the novel, George decides to kill Lennie before he gets lynched by Curley; George is in the same position as Candy previously was in Chapter 3. Candy regrets not shooting his dog himself and shows solidarity for George due to experiencing the same

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