What clues are there as you read Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and
Men” that the ending will be tragic.
The first opening chapters of John Steinbeck’s is essential to the reader as it will make them feel as if something tragic will be happening towards the end of the novel. Within this passage, there are powerful indications of the characters, mood and setting to help the reader feel that something inevitable will occur. In this essay, I will be examining the techniques Steinbeck uses to create a sense of tension and the clues that the ending will be a shock to the readers.
Straight at the beginning of the novel, the scenery is described as, “fresh and green wit every spring,” but will not stay this was for long. “The rabbits hurried noiselessly for cover.” This is where George and Lennie appears and disturbs the tranquillity. The idea of the scenery being disrupted implies that this will occur constantly throughout the novel
In the middle of the first chapter, George and Lennie look back at the dreadful events that have happened to them. George shouts angrily at Lennie, “She yells and we got to hide in a irrigation ditch all day with guys lookin’ for us” indicating that Lennie is always getting into trouble and George always has to be there to protect Lennie. Another part of the novel which supports the fact that Lennie depends on George is during the incident that happened between Lennie and Curley. First, George yelled, “Get ‘im Lennie,” however, Lennie did not obey, but when George urged him to, he did, “I said get him.” This suggests that Lennie might do something tragic because George is not there to protect and guide him. The fight was not only about Lennie obeying George, but leads to how Lennie controls his great strength. Lennie’s strength is another linkage the end of the novel. “Curley was white and shrunken by now, and his struggling became weak. He stood crying, his fist lost in Lennie’s paw.” This suggests that Lennie does not know how to use strength wisely enough and looks for help. Lennie’s strength is a major clue for the reader, as from that, they can predict or guess that the ending will be disastrous but maybe not too early in the story. Steinbeck is able to make this clear throughout the novel which makes it easier for us to understand.
