Analysis of Symbolism in the Themes from Of Mice and Men
Analysis of Symbolism in the Themes from "Of Mice and Men"
Steinbeck uses symbolism as the central element in his novel “Of mice and men”. The symbols are in the form of people, belief, and animals. Steinbeck uses effective themes during the novel. Using these, he illustrates friendships, an image of the depression, and events in which lead to the final decision at the end of the story.
Symbolism within characters is widely shown throughout the novel. Candy demonstrates several uses of symbolism, his disability is the symbol of the migrant workers who were literally forgotten about, when they were no use to their owners.
Candy’s dog is a symbol of no more use, it dies with a single bullet to the back of it’s head, Lennie parallels this event when he dies the same way, this symbolises tragedy, but also triumph because the last thoughts in Lennie’s mind was his “dream”. Candy’s dog also symbolises companionship, Lennie foreshadows this, as Candy was lonely the only friend he had was his dog, Lennie showed the same companionship to George.
Crooks has many symbolical items, his disability symbolises loneliness. He constantly rubs his sore back with special medication to protect himself, this symbolises the pain he experiences. Crooks book of “Californian Rights” symbolises power and knowledge of rights of freedom. The neatness of his stable room is symbolising that he too is trying to show that he is equal to white people. Crooks is represented as a black person in the novel this symbolises loneliness because he was always left out. (“Why aren’t you wanted?” Lennie asked. “Because I’m black, and I stink.” said crooks.)
Curley and Curley’s wife both represent evil, they both weigh down and abuse the migrant workers. Curley harasses Lennie because of Lennie’s strength and how big he is. (“Come on ya big bastard. Get up on your feet. No big son-of-a-bitch is gonna laugh at me. I’ll show you whose yella!”. says Curley) this is a sign of cat and mouse.
Lennie symbolises himself in action to be amused by soft things. Like when he strokes that ladies dress and she called out rape, this symbolises the power a white women had then. Another example of this type is when Crooks asked Curley’s wife to leave or he would call the boss, but all she did was black mailed him. (Lisn, Nigger,...