Hints of Tragedy Throughout John Steinbeck’s novella, Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie’s main goal is to attain their version of the American Dream. They work in arduous circumstances in hopes to eventually “live off the fatta the lan”. However, an ominous feeling is portrayed throughout the novel, as Steinbeck insinuates that things may not be as they seem. Steinbeck utilizes foreshadowing to emphasize the fated fallacy of Lennie and George’s American dream. The novella starts off with George and Lennie camping by a bank after Lennie got in trouble. Due to his affinity for soft objects, he would not let go of a girl’s dress. George reminds Lennie, “I want you to look... remember this place, can’t you? (15)”. This exchange exhibits George’s
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Lennie has a habit of accidentally killing animals because they are soft and he pets them too hard. He assumes that it isn’t his fault that they’re dead, but rather it’s their fault for being too small. Consequently, he ends up killing the puppy, leading him to wonder what he did wrong as they, “...ain’t so little as mice. I didn’t bounce you hard (85).” It is shown that Lennie uses force as a defense mechanism to protect himself. When he breaks Curley’s hand Lennie says, “I didn’t wanta hurt him (64).” Through these minor scenes, the reader gets a sense of foreboding, suggesting that Lennie’s lack of control will be his downfall. Additionally, Steinbeck foreshadows the way in which Lennie will be killed. In the beginning, Candy’s dog is put to death because he is old and useless according to Carlson. It is only fitting that Lennie, who Steinbeck portray as an animal throughout the book, is eventually put down the same way. Even George expects it throughout the book when he tells Candy, “I think I knowed we’d never do her (94).” Lennie, who is weakened by his own strength, was fated to destroy his dream. The nature of the world is ‘survival of the fittest’, and Lennie evidently has never been fit to
Lennie has a habit of accidentally killing animals because they are soft and he pets them too hard. He assumes that it isn’t his fault that they’re dead, but rather it’s their fault for being too small. Consequently, he ends up killing the puppy, leading him to wonder what he did wrong as they, “...ain’t so little as mice. I didn’t bounce you hard (85).” It is shown that Lennie uses force as a defense mechanism to protect himself. When he breaks Curley’s hand Lennie says, “I didn’t wanta hurt him (64).” Through these minor scenes, the reader gets a sense of foreboding, suggesting that Lennie’s lack of control will be his downfall. Additionally, Steinbeck foreshadows the way in which Lennie will be killed. In the beginning, Candy’s dog is put to death because he is old and useless according to Carlson. It is only fitting that Lennie, who Steinbeck portray as an animal throughout the book, is eventually put down the same way. Even George expects it throughout the book when he tells Candy, “I think I knowed we’d never do her (94).” Lennie, who is weakened by his own strength, was fated to destroy his dream. The nature of the world is ‘survival of the fittest’, and Lennie evidently has never been fit to