Symbolism in Of Mice and Men Essay

There are many different types of symbolism shown in the world today. Many people search for types of symbolism by learning the true meaning of a poem, or by just reading a novel. The men and women on the ranch symbolize the desperate need to achieve the American Dream. They are so desperate to get away from all of the classism and social inequalities of their time. In John Steinbecks Of Mice and Men, the men on the ranch view symbolism in many different ways.

The boss and Slim symbolize respect in different ways. The boss is described as: On his head was a soiled brown Stetson hat, and he wore high-heeled boots and spurs to prove he was not a laboring man (pp. 20). The boss only demands respect through how much money he has, and how he appears. More deeply, the boss represents the upper class of society working to keep the lower class in their place. Furthermore, Slim is described as: He held a crushed Stetson hatLike the others he wore blue jeans and a short denim shirtHis authority was so great that his word was taken on by any (pp. 33). Slim demonstrates the kind of man or god-like figure that the men would love to be. More deeply, Slim wishes to be respected by his actions, not his money or position in society. Respect in the society is one of the many things that the people on the farm wish to receive from others.

Lennie and George symbolize the questing for the American Dream, which illustrates an ideal proving to be essential to a quality life. Lennie states: We could live offa the fatta the lan (pp. 57). This illustrates Lennies knowledge of the quest for the American Dream. In addition, it reveals that there is still a great amount of hope for the American Dream in Lennies deep hopeful eyes. Furthermore, George says to Crooks: It aint no lie. Were gonna do it. Gonna go get a little place an live offa the fatta the lan (pp. 69). George immediately sticks up for Lennie, and acknowledges that it is possible to live and strive for the American Dream. More deeply, the men on the ranch wish to succeed their quest for their own freedom. Hope for a more successful life still exists in the desperate eyes of the men and women on the farm.

Curleys wife and George symbolize societies way of distinguishing its members by way of social class distinctions. Curleys wife yells to Crooks: Well keep your place then, Nigger. I could get you strung up so fast it aint even funny (pp. 81). Curleys wifes comment demonstrates the harsh realities of the 1930s toward specific individuals like Crooks. Her comments crush a man that is ready to strive for the American Dream. Conversely, there is some good that comes from characters like George. George states: And I aint so bright eitherup outta the ground (pp. 39). Georges brotherhood with Lennie demonstrates the defeat of social inequality. More deeply, George transcends society because of his love for Lennie. The social inequalities and the class distinctions really bring down the men and women like Lennie and Crooks, but hope reveals itself as well when people like George transcend these barriers.

Everyone on the ranch represents symbolism. In Cinderella Man the men and women are desperate to achieve what is known as the American Dream. Cinderella Man symbolizes being alone on an island like most men in he 1930s. The relationship between the manager and the protagonist in Cinderella Man are vital to the overcome of the great depression. George and Lennie are examples of the manager and protagonist in Cinderella Man, because all the characters in the book and the movie desire the same thing freedom and love. These two cases are similar, because both recall a sort of symbolism for the desire of hope for the American Dream. The men realize their chances are, limited and they must strive there very best to achieve them.