The Use Of Language In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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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

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