What makes a text strong and memorable?The two texts, the novel ÃÂOf Mice and MenÃÂ by John Steinbeck and the song ÃÂCatÃÂs in the CradleÃÂ by Sandy and Harry Chapin deal with issues concerning personal relationships. These texts are strong and memorable with different aspects of personal relationships such as friendship and loneliness, explored by the characters and the techniques used.
Loneliness is a key element in ÃÂOf Mice and MenÃÂ. It is demonstrated through three different aspects: sexism, ageism and racism. CurleyÃÂs wife, being the only woman on the ranch, is endless searching for companionship with other men. Although she is married, she and Curley never appear together in the novel ÃÂ they are always searching for each other. ÃÂI never get to talk to anyoneÃÂ, CurleyÃÂs wife repeated sadly. Her loneliness is emphasised by not giving this character a name. Candy is a old man who is lonely after his dog is shot.
ÃÂI ainÃÂt got no relatives or nothing. I wish somebody could shoot me when IÃÂm old and uselessÃÂ. Another lonely character is Crooks, who is the only black man on the ranch. ÃÂHe has his own bunk in a separate roomÃÂ suggests that he is suffering from racial discrimination. He, therefore has a lonely existence. The strong theme of loneliness makes the novel very memorable.
Friendship between the two main characters, George and Lennie that also led to the final tragedy is another key element in the novel. George demonstrates protectiveness, patience and pride when it comes to Lennie. The author often emphasise ÃÂpeople like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the worldÃÂ, yet, the friendship between George and Lennie keep on going because they share a dream of owning their little farm. In the conclusion of the novel where Lennie...