Literature Analysis- Of Mice and Men

1. This novel is centered around two men named George and Lenny. The duo had known each other since they were young boys. Their relationship consists of George looking after Lenny, who always manages to get himself into trouble. George and Lenny are foils to each other. George is a smart, quick witted man, while Lenny comes off as partially mentally challenged. Both men share a dream of one day owning their own piece of land and farming it. In order to raise money, they get a job at a farm. However, this job wasn't the right decision. Lenny quickly gets himself into trouble by accidentally breaking a man's wife's neck on the farm. Knowing he will get in trouble, the two flee the farm. Sadly, the angry farmers find them, with the intention of lynching Lenny. George knows this, so he chooses to shoot Lenny instead of Lenny having to face embarrassment and suffering.

2. The theme of this novel is friendship. Throughout the novel, George shows his devotion to Lenny. Even though Lenny can get hard to handle at times, George never gives up on him. He cared enough for Lenny to live with the guilt of shooting him because he didn't want Lenny to suffer. He would rather have himself suffer.

3. The tone of the book is sentimental.  Examples of this include when George and Lenny share a dream together, when George constantly sacrifices to take care of Lenny, and when George chose to take Lenny's life instead of Lenny being lynched and humiliated.

4. Symbols
- the dream: represents George and Lenny's hope
- Lenny's puppy: represents new beginnings
- Curley's boots: represent harshness and no mercy

Foreshadowing
- when Candy's old dog was killed
- Lenny's previous bad luck on farms
- when George constantly complained his life would be easier without Lenny

Imagery
- "Both were dressed in denim trousers and in denim coats with brass buttons. Both wore black, shapeless hats and both carried tight blanket rolls slung over their shoulders."
- "Evening of a hot day started the little wind to moving among the leaves. The shade climbed up the hills toward the top. On the sand banks the rabbits sat as quietly as little gray, sculptured stones."
- "Slowly, like a terrier who doesn't want to bring a ball to its master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again."

Diction
- unformal
- "Well, we ain't got any."
-  shortens words: 'em, an'

Characterization
- direct
- "He walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, way a bear drags his paws. His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely."
- "Curley's like a lot of little guys. He hates big guys. He's alla time picking scraps with big guys. Kind of like he's mad at 'em because he ain't a big guy."