In today's society, the use of social media, television, and stereotypical phrases spreads the use of profanity amount the younger generation where it is used in everyday conversations. It's being used more frequently in literature as well although it has been included in novels and movies for centuries. In the novel Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck in 1937 the story of two men named George and Lennie and their quest to own land and a house of their own has a heavy use of profanity and inappropriate statements in the book. Lennie is mentally challenged and is often the subject of George's insults as well as others who do not understand his mental situation. For example, phrases such as "Jesus Christ, you're a crazy bastard!" and “Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other."
Harsh language concerns aside, the book also teaches excellent life lessons such as sticking by your friends no matter what, working hard and doing anything to achieve a lifelong goal, as well as finding love and suffering loss. These are much more important in teaching kids these days rather than fretting about language that in most cases they have already been exposed to. If it is acceptable in those platforms it should be in literature as well despite the excessive amounts of profanity in this novel in particular. Although Of Mice and Men has a substantial amount of profanity included in its text, the lessons of friendship and championship are more important than any merits that foul language might
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck shouldn’t be banned and should be allowed to be read in classrooms that are 8th grade and above. Of Mice and Men is a superb example of what the youth of America should stray away from in the future, so no future generations will have to live like the characters George and Lennie do. Of Mice and Men hooks the reader at every turn and the reader also can learn from it. Although some disagree and believe it should be banned, there are many reasons why it shouldn't be. Of Mice and Men demonstrates the language that many Americans use, the history is realistic and accurate, and it displays the effects of peer pressure.
Being said so, parts in the book where violence such as wolf attacks, gunshots, and potential homicide is clearly depicted through simple yet powerful vocabulary. The book also contains parts about kissing and a sexual act which was depicted through a fade-to-black style. Although the book contains such scenes, the depth of the words that were used to elaborate a particular scene was not too strong and was in fact in a moderate level. The book can therefore still be suitable for young readers. At the same time, the characters within the book are also of the same age range which made it easy to understand and relate to the story as it progresses and
Certainly this book is written for adults. The authour uses profanity and racial remarks, but it is necessary to tell the story in that manner. The bad language used by the characters shows their hate and anger, but also shows that some are willing to change their ways.
An example of this content is in the book “I looked at Miss Baker, wondering what it was she got done. I enjoyed looking at her” (Fitzgerald 13-14). This is a clear example of why the novel should be banned. As Nick Carraway is meeting Tom and Daisy Buchanan, their friend Jordan Baker is at the house. Nick then goes on to talk to her and describe her in an inappropriate manner. “She was a slender, small-breasted girl, with an erect carriage, which she accentuated by throwing her body backward at the shoulders like a young cadet. Her gray sun-strained eyes looked back at me with polite reciprocal curiosity out of a wan, charming, discontented face” (Fitzgerald 1.13-14). These comments are clearly unsuitable for anyone in elementary, and could even be argued that they are inappropriate for middle/high school. These adult references can wrongly influence someone who reads the novel that based on the kind of person Nick is, that it is okay to do what he does. The comment could also not be understood by the reader, which could be in a classroom/library. One more reason the novel should be banned is because it promotes alcoholism and illegal business. "I found out what your 'drug stores' were.’ He turned to us and spoke rapidly. ‘He and this Wolfsheim bought up a lot of side-street drug-stores here and in Chicago and sold grain alcohol
In the exposition of the book, George and Lennie are sitting on a river bed a few miles south of Soledad beside the Salinas River. Lennie is a large, lumbering, childlike man with a mild mental disability. Because of this he relies on George for guidance and protection. Lennie is gentle and kind, but nevertheless, he does not understand his own strength and his love of petting soft things, such as small animals, dresses, and people’s hair, later leads to disaster. George was a small and wiry man who travels with and cares for Lennie. George’s behavior is motivated by the desire to protect Lennie with the hopes of delivering them both to the farm of their dreams someday. The author, John Steinbeck describes how the river was warm and on one side of the river, the “golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan mountains.” On the other side of the river, there are trees that line the riverbed. Steinbeck describes how the trees were “willows fresh and green” during the spring time and “sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.” In the first chapter of the book, he describes how peaceful the place is that Lennie and George end up staying for a night. In the beginning of the book, Lennie asks George to talk to him about the dream that
Although this book uses offensive words, it is such an important part of this time period. Some adults may not want their kids reading these stories in school because they can repeat the words and use them offensively. People could also feel that this book isn’t appropriate because it was written so long ago and uses old-fashioned phrases that don't teach students proper English. People will always have their own opinions.
Lisca, Peter. "Of Mice and Men." The Wide World of John Steinbeck. New Brunswick, N.J.: Rutgers University Press, 1958. 130-143. Rpt. in Children's Literature Review. Ed. Jelena Krstovic. Vol. 172. Detroit: Gale, 2012. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
Tragedy in life can be used to demonstrate the ultimate display of compassion and love, which truly demonstrates the qualities of men. In life people create attachments and bonds, craving companionship over isolated individualism. There is a endless cycle and chain of events that cause the annihilation of bounds which leads to tragedies bringing sadness. In Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck focuses the reader 's attention on the bond between two individuals George and Lennie, who are running from past experiences trying to start anew chasing their American Dream unaware of what 's lurking ahead. Through craftsmanship, nature, transnational connections, evocative imagery, and symbolism, Steinbeck exhibits the cyclic journey in life, in which Lennie
In the novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck brings out the themes of Lonliness and companionship, and strengths and weaknesses through the actions, and quotations of the characters. Irony and foreshadowing play a large roll on how the story ends. Lennie and his habit of killing things not on purpose, but he is a victim of his own strength. George trying to pretend that his feelings for Lennie mean nothing. The entire novel is repetitive in themes and expressed views.
The classic novel Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck has resonated with readers for generations. Steinbeck’s poignant use of literary elements highlight the negative aspects of the human condition. His use of foreshadowing, imagery, and symbolism assist in outlining these issues.
Scarseth, Thomas. "A Teachable Good Book: Of Mice and Men." Censored Books: Critical Viewpoints. Ed. Nicholas J. Karolides, Lee Burress, and John M. Kean. Scarecrow Press, 1993. 388-394. Rpt. in Novels for Students. Ed. Diane Telgen. Vol. 1. Detroit: Gale, 1998. Literature Resources from Gale. Web. 11 Jan. 2012.
Novels that exhibit what the life is like for the people at ranch can help readers reflect on how they might react in comparable situation. George and Lennie who struggle to transcend the plight of inerrant farmworkers are followed by the novel Of Mice and Men written by John Steinbeck. Readers are positioned to respond to themes through Steinbeck’s use of conventions that are dispirit. Themes such as Freedom and confinement, loneliness, and racism are pivotal in the novel and draw out a range of responses from the readers.
John Steinbeck, the author of the novel Of Mice and Men uses many stylistic devices and description in chapter one to give the reader a deeper understanding of what may occur throughout the novel. Firstly, the name of the city the two protagonists, Lennie and George, are heading to is called “Soledad,” which means loneliness in Spanish; this is symbolism and foreshadowing because it can mean that as they get closer to the city, their relationship as friends may deteriorate and they may end up alone towards the end. Furthermore, this could also mean that there can be major problems in further chapters because of Lennie’s unpredictable behaviour due to his mental disabilities. In relation to Robert Burns’s poem, “To a Mouse,” the author may be
Man needs companionship and has difficulty maintaining it because no humans think the exact same or have the exact same beliefs. To maintain a companion you must have things in common, you must be able to disagree with a sort of respectful understanding, and finally you must care legitimately about that person. These three requirements to preserve a companionship are at times arduous to keep true. Some people do not have the time, concern, or the ability to sustain a veritable friendship with a companion or companions.
Throughout the novel Of Mice and Men, Crooks, Curley’s wife, and Lennie could not reach their potential because of the discrimination against them. In the Depression era, people discriminated against African-American people by using derogatory terms, physically assaulting them and limiting their socialization. They discriminated against women by calling names and making offensive assumptions. Mentally disabled people are targets of brutal actions, stereotypes, and betrayals. Steinbeck warned people not to discriminate against others by showing various conflicts and tragic endings that are caused by discrimination.