Comparing The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

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Comparing The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

John Ernst Steinbeck's novels The Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men share many common themes such as dependancy, survival and unity. Although subtle, the most intriguing link between these two novels is Steinbecks infatuation with the human soul. He delves deep into the human heart and pulls forth very strong emotions such as devotion, compassion and sympathy. These feelings are what propel Steinbecks novels forward. It is through the microcosmic relationship of George and Lennie, in Of Mice and Men, and the social macrocosm of the migrants, in The Grapes of Wrath , that Steinbeck illustrates the limitless reaches one would go for his fellow man once a bond has been formed.

The relationship between George and Lennie shows the limitless reaches one would go for his fellow man on a microcosmis level Steinbeck uses these two characters to represent strong one-on-one relationshiips that one experiences throughout their own personal life. Although George and Lennie are two individual men, the qualities that one lacked, the other possessed: "Behind him[George] walked his opposite" (mice, pg.2). Consequently, over the years George and Lennie created such a bond that they completed each other. Through George, Steinbeck represents the sacrifices that are made in the best interest of a loved one. These sacrifices presented George with many hardships and frustrations throughout his life. "If I was alone I could live so easy." (mice, pg. 11) Because Lennie was unable to think in a logical manner for himself, George gave up his own dreams and created a single dream for both himself and Lennie: "OK, someday we're gonna get the jack together and we'...

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...oser and pulled his head close. "There." She said. "There." (Grapes, pg. 455).

Rose of Sharon gives the old starving man the gift she could not give her baby; she gave the old man life.

Steinbeck uses the powerful friendship of George and Lennie and the social structure of the Migrants to depict the limitless stretches one would go for his fellow man once a deep connection has been made. In The Grapes of Wrath, he presents this idea on a large scale, with a large group of people who bond closely through compassion, sympathy and the desire to survive. On the other hand, in Of Mice and Men, he presents one's dedication to his fellow man on a more personal level. Steinbeck brings the nature of humanity to the spotlight and exposes the fierce values it posesses.

Bibliography:

Of mice and men. john steinbeck.

Grapes of Wrath. John steinbeck

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