Of Mice and Men Essay
The story of George and Lennie in the 1937 novel, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck is a touching, heartfelt tale about two best friends’ hopes, dreams and struggles. This classical novel was adapted into a MGM film in 1992 by director Gary Sinise. There are many debates about whether the film or original story appeals more to the audience. In this instance, it can be argued that the book is better than the adaption, as Steinbeck displays his intentions more effectively so that readers can clearly understand the book’s various messages. The book surpasses the film in revealing themes and foreshadowing through characterization.
The book’s use of characterization to create foreshadowing is more effective than the film. …show more content…
When the men go out into town, Lennie, Crooks, and Candy are the only ones left behind. Lennie attempts to befriend Crooks, but Crooks shuts him down at first. “You got no right to come in my room. This here’s my room. Nobody got any right in here but me… You go on get outta my room. I ain’t wanted in the bunk house, and you ain’t wanted in my room. Why aren’t you wanted? Lennie asked. Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink. Well, I tell you, you all of you stink to me… Come on in and set a while, Crooks said. Long as you won’t get out and leave me alone, you might as well set down. His tone was a little more friendly (Steinbeck, 68-69). Crooks feels isolated and experiences loneliness, due to the racism present at the ranch. He feels bitter that he is isolated because of this and just wants someone to talk to. It becomes evident how lonely Crooks is after he invites Lennie in even after making a big deal that white men are not allowed in his room. Crooks’ loneliness causes him to mistrust others, but in the end, he wants company more than anything else. Another character who portrays loneliness is Curley’s wife. Just before her death, she question Lennie about why she can’t talk to anybody. “Her face grew angry. Wha’s the matter with me? she cried. Ain’t I got a right to talk to nobody? Whatta they think I am, anyways? You’re a nice guy. I don’t know …show more content…
Some people believe that the film is better than the book because of the modified ending Sinise adds. Their argument is that the added scenes make Lennie’s death more bearable and provide readers with closure that Steinbeck did not have in his novel. There are two different scenes in the ending Sinise added. The first one shows George alone, sitting on a train in the dark and reminiscing about the journeys he went through with Lennie. George has a pained expression on his face and eventually closes his eyes and bows down his head. The final scene is a short flashback of Lennie and George walking off together into the distance on a field. As they are walking away, Lennie reaches out for George’s back and the movie ends (Sinise). A sense of closure is given when viewers see how heartbroken George is, because it shows how much he loved and cared for his friend. The final scene is one of the simplest scenes of the movie but is also one of the most powerful. When Lennie reaches for George’s back, it almost seems like Lennie is patting his friend on the back to comfort and reassure him that they will always be there for each other. Although the ending is heartbreaking, the film leaves off on a bittersweet mood through reminding viewers of the deep friendship George and Lennie
The story of George and Lennie in the 1937 novel, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck is a touching, heartfelt tale about two best friends’ hopes, dreams and struggles. This classical novel was adapted into a MGM film in 1992 by director Gary Sinise. There are many debates about whether the film or original story appeals more to the audience. In this instance, it can be argued that the book is better than the adaption, as Steinbeck displays his intentions more effectively so that readers can clearly understand the book’s various messages. The book surpasses the film in revealing themes and foreshadowing through characterization.
The book’s use of characterization to create foreshadowing is more effective than the film. …show more content…
When the men go out into town, Lennie, Crooks, and Candy are the only ones left behind. Lennie attempts to befriend Crooks, but Crooks shuts him down at first. “You got no right to come in my room. This here’s my room. Nobody got any right in here but me… You go on get outta my room. I ain’t wanted in the bunk house, and you ain’t wanted in my room. Why aren’t you wanted? Lennie asked. Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink. Well, I tell you, you all of you stink to me… Come on in and set a while, Crooks said. Long as you won’t get out and leave me alone, you might as well set down. His tone was a little more friendly (Steinbeck, 68-69). Crooks feels isolated and experiences loneliness, due to the racism present at the ranch. He feels bitter that he is isolated because of this and just wants someone to talk to. It becomes evident how lonely Crooks is after he invites Lennie in even after making a big deal that white men are not allowed in his room. Crooks’ loneliness causes him to mistrust others, but in the end, he wants company more than anything else. Another character who portrays loneliness is Curley’s wife. Just before her death, she question Lennie about why she can’t talk to anybody. “Her face grew angry. Wha’s the matter with me? she cried. Ain’t I got a right to talk to nobody? Whatta they think I am, anyways? You’re a nice guy. I don’t know …show more content…
Some people believe that the film is better than the book because of the modified ending Sinise adds. Their argument is that the added scenes make Lennie’s death more bearable and provide readers with closure that Steinbeck did not have in his novel. There are two different scenes in the ending Sinise added. The first one shows George alone, sitting on a train in the dark and reminiscing about the journeys he went through with Lennie. George has a pained expression on his face and eventually closes his eyes and bows down his head. The final scene is a short flashback of Lennie and George walking off together into the distance on a field. As they are walking away, Lennie reaches out for George’s back and the movie ends (Sinise). A sense of closure is given when viewers see how heartbroken George is, because it shows how much he loved and cared for his friend. The final scene is one of the simplest scenes of the movie but is also one of the most powerful. When Lennie reaches for George’s back, it almost seems like Lennie is patting his friend on the back to comfort and reassure him that they will always be there for each other. Although the ending is heartbreaking, the film leaves off on a bittersweet mood through reminding viewers of the deep friendship George and Lennie