Steinbeck’s decisive use of repetition, particularly of keywords and ideas, helps influence the tone of this scene. In Of Mice and Men, following the exit of Carlson and Candy’s dog, the repetition of the word ‘silence’ is present, as to draw attention to the agitation felt by all in the bunkhouse. One paradigm of this repetition can be found in quotes such as, “The silence came into the room. And the silence …show more content…
Steinbeck chose to use words such as “squirmed” (Steinbeck 44), “helplessly” (Steinbeck 45), and “uneasily” (Steinbeck 47) to help describe Candy’s reluctance to the euthanization of his dog. Candy’s obvious unwillingness serves to create a more strained situation as Carlson continues to press Candy. The connotation of words such as ‘squirmed’ and ‘uneasily’ indicate nervousness. To further incorporate emotions into the scene, Steinbeck uses words such as “rigidly” (Steinbeck 48) and “shortly” (Steinbeck 48) to demonstrate the tension in the room. These words create an equally agitated and hostile situation between the occupants of the bunkhouse. The mix of negative emotions implied by Steinbeck’s word choice serve to contribute to the tense