Language Used in of Mice and Men.

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Language used in of mice and men. Of mice and men is a short book (novella) that was written during the harsh depression of the 1930’s. It conveys the ideals of two migrant workers. Some of the language that is used in this novella would be completely unacceptable in today’s society. For example the use of the work ‘Nigger’ at the time society was unaccepting and black people didn’t have many rights. Steinbeck also presents ‘Curley’s wife’ in a misogynistic way, for example we never learn her name. She is always presented as ‘Curley’s wife’ this insinuates that she is Curley’s property. Curley’s wife could also be seen in a biblical way (Eve). She brings sin and death to the world. Although she may just be isolated and lonely she is presented to us in red, which immediately makes us think of danger. She brings lust to the ranch worker which is one of the seven deadly sins. Throughout the novella ‘Of mice and men’ uses language of itinerant workers, this is the sort of language that would be used at the time the book was written. The use of this language helps add to the realism of the book. Steinbeck also uses great description throughout of mice and men. Steinbeck uses great imagery in descriptions for example ‘A water snake slipped along the pool, its head held up like a little periscope.’ This particular simile shows the connection between the ways that both animals and Humans had to live. The snake is on the lookout for food however is aware of his surroundings and watching out for potential attackers, just like George and Lennie. Foreshadowing is uses throughout the majority of the novella, it all starts when George tells Lennie to hide in brush if he gets into any trouble like he did in weed. This hints that something bad is going to happen. Something as bad as when they got chased out of weed. Another example of foreshadowing is the constant killing
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