Of Mice And Men Naturalism Analysis

Following the Great Depression, 19th Century Realism led to the movement known as Naturalism. Naturalism is based on the idea that a person’s personality is derived as a product of their environment and there is no “free will”. The nature of the human relationship is guided by friendship and survival. In John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” the two main characters, George and Lennie have a relationship based on their instinct to survive and the pursuit of the American dream. Lennie and George dream of owning and living on a small piece of land they can call their own. Lennie is very much like a primitive animal, and George attempts to escape loneliness by taking care of Lennie. Due to several uncontrollable circumstances Lennie is fated to die by the hands of his loving friend George. John Steinbeck, the author of “Mice and Men” writes this novel in which one can see characteristics of Naturalism. He chooses a narrator who has an objective, all knowing, point of view. Steinbeck also creates vivid descriptions of the natural surroundings where the character’s stories develop. Nature is described not only to enhance the setting, …show more content…
The outcome for Lennie can be predicted from conditions that preceded his death. Lennie is a very big strong man, but his personality is primitive and childlike. Naturalism sees violence as a form of survival which is very familiar with Lennie and George. Lennie knows he has done something wrong each time something violent happens, but George explains to Lennie that he did not mean to, and a Naturalist would say it was a form of survival. George’s fate seems to be foreseen early as well. As Lennie’s best friend, George continually makes sure Lennie is okay and does not feel any guilt or pain for his actions. George defends Lennie and in the end provides a way so that Lennie doesn’t get treated cruelly or feel any unhappiness when he