In "A Teachable Good Book: Of Mice and Men" by Thomas Scarseth, the professor argues that "Of Mice and Men" is a tragedy, in which it is simple, yet complicated as it provides wonderful examples of realism and problems in the world, despite being a short read. Scarseth provides many claims and examples supporting the thesis of his paper, which will be highlighted in this essay. The claims are: every story doesn't have to have a happy ending, objectionable elements are necessary as they make stories more realistic, and not everything someone wishes for comes true.
Scarseth's first point states that every story doesn't have to have a happy ending. Scarseth made this claim by stating in his paper, "...literature is not always only mere sugar candy; it can sometimes be a strong medicine: sour perhaps- at least to the untrained taste- but necessary for continued health." In his evidence, Scarseth is saying that well-written literature doesn't have to consist of positive attributes all the time, but rather ones that are slightly queasy where even the reader feels emotion. I myself agree with Scarseth's claim because without some included drama to a story, there is no flavor as if it's buffalo wings without buffalo sauce. Furthermore, the story seems imaginary and boring, while not including real-life morals. A perfect example of this is when George killed Lennie at the end of "Of Mice and Men." Without this decision by George, it would make it seem like George and Lennie went through no downfalls to achieve their version of the American Dream. As can be seen, Scarseth was right in saying literature need not to be positive in all its elements. The second point of Scarseth's thesis is objectionable elements are necessary as they make narratives more realistic. The professor thinks controversial elements are needed in books as they add an information background or additional information, as to where and when the story is taking place. The controversial elements make it so stories don't seem fake, because no one's life is lived without problems or speed bumps. In support of his claim, Scarset wrote, "low class characters, vulgar language, scenes suggestive of improper sexual conduct, and an implied criticism of the social system. But none of this is presented indecently... These features are necessary …show more content…
Scarseth is saying that man and world is already so limited, but people still dream big. Since people aren't as fortunate, their hopes and financial situation conflict with each other; resulting in failure. This claim was made evident when Scarseth shared, "… a world in which the simplest dream of the simplest man cannot come true. The best laid plans of mice and men gang oft a-glae." I agree with this point made by Scarseth as people that are less fortunate in this world, don't have as much opportunity to achieve their goal or dream in life. For example, George and Lennie were affected by the Great Depression, so they had to migrate to California. This put them at a disadvantage as they most likely weren't going to find work that had a high pay, which did occur. Thus, they were unable to afford their dream of having lots of land, a barn, and many rabbits. Their dream required a grand amount of money which they didn't have. This claim and example help the reader understand that life isn't fair in some
Scarseth's first point states that every story doesn't have to have a happy ending. Scarseth made this claim by stating in his paper, "...literature is not always only mere sugar candy; it can sometimes be a strong medicine: sour perhaps- at least to the untrained taste- but necessary for continued health." In his evidence, Scarseth is saying that well-written literature doesn't have to consist of positive attributes all the time, but rather ones that are slightly queasy where even the reader feels emotion. I myself agree with Scarseth's claim because without some included drama to a story, there is no flavor as if it's buffalo wings without buffalo sauce. Furthermore, the story seems imaginary and boring, while not including real-life morals. A perfect example of this is when George killed Lennie at the end of "Of Mice and Men." Without this decision by George, it would make it seem like George and Lennie went through no downfalls to achieve their version of the American Dream. As can be seen, Scarseth was right in saying literature need not to be positive in all its elements. The second point of Scarseth's thesis is objectionable elements are necessary as they make narratives more realistic. The professor thinks controversial elements are needed in books as they add an information background or additional information, as to where and when the story is taking place. The controversial elements make it so stories don't seem fake, because no one's life is lived without problems or speed bumps. In support of his claim, Scarset wrote, "low class characters, vulgar language, scenes suggestive of improper sexual conduct, and an implied criticism of the social system. But none of this is presented indecently... These features are necessary …show more content…
Scarseth is saying that man and world is already so limited, but people still dream big. Since people aren't as fortunate, their hopes and financial situation conflict with each other; resulting in failure. This claim was made evident when Scarseth shared, "… a world in which the simplest dream of the simplest man cannot come true. The best laid plans of mice and men gang oft a-glae." I agree with this point made by Scarseth as people that are less fortunate in this world, don't have as much opportunity to achieve their goal or dream in life. For example, George and Lennie were affected by the Great Depression, so they had to migrate to California. This put them at a disadvantage as they most likely weren't going to find work that had a high pay, which did occur. Thus, they were unable to afford their dream of having lots of land, a barn, and many rabbits. Their dream required a grand amount of money which they didn't have. This claim and example help the reader understand that life isn't fair in some