"Of Mice and Men" Review

Essay by daniel_510Junior High, 9th gradeA, August 2007

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Few books have lasted nearly century being widely appreciated by readers and being a bestseller. John Steinbeck's novel, "Of Mice and Men", has endured almost a century and is still being read and appreciated by readers throughout the world. "Of Mice and Men" like other good novels have certain elements of literature that enables them to excel to a whole new level than other novels. The fast paced plot, unusual setting and pertinent themes clustered by John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, affect dramatically the outcome of the novel.

The plot of a book is the most crucial literature element that set apart an interesting book from a tedious one. The plot of the novel is written like the majority of books in an order from rising action to climax followed by the resolution, giving the reader a sense of organization, which allows them an easier route to concentration and focus.

The plot consists on two migrant workers called George and Lennie who work in a farm. Lennie has had problems controlling his force and emotions because he has a mild mental disability. One day he accidentally hurts the wife of the boss's son. He goes to the hiding place where George told him to go if something wrong happens. When George arrives he senses that the other farmers are coming to kill them. The sound of the approaching lynch party grows louder and George shoots his friend in the back of the head. When the other men arrive, George lets them believe that Lennie had the gun, and George wrestled it away from him and shot him. The plot is fast but it is described with tons of details, which make you feel part of it.

John Steinbeck's novel takes place most of the time in a farm located far away from urban area. In that farm other farmers called Candy and Crooks work with them. In that hard-working and isolated ranch people have a feeling of loneliness. John Steinbeck does a wonderful job describing the setting giving it a monotonous and remote feeling. The setting affected the mood of the book profoundly since the general description and moving depiction of the ranch is perhaps one of the most famous and highly praised aspects of the novel.

The themes exposed by the novel are themes that people throughout the world can relate to. The novel teaches a grim lesson on the nature of human existence. All of them admit in the novel that they sometimes have a feeling of isolation and they want the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the attentive ear of a stranger. The characters are rendered helpless by their isolation, and yet, even at their weakest, they seek to destroy those who are even weaker than they. Another noticeable dream is the impossibility of the American dream. Most of the characters in Of Mice and Men admit, at one point or another, to dreaming of a different life. The relatable theme the novel reveals have contributed noticeably to its success.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is well written even though the pitch is very slow. The themes and setting contribute to the success of the book radically. The high level of English and the slow pace of the plot would be more appreciated by people above the age of sixteen. The book is excellent and the perfect use of the elements of literature makes the book a must-read!