Setting in Mice

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  • Created by: Ttw
  • Created on: 21-05-17 16:40
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  • Setting
    • The clearing
      • The clearing is an idyllic setting with a sinister undercurrent of doom
      • The tranquil pool is Steinbec's tool for the ripple effect, it is described as the "ripple effect in the pool", which refers to the fact that lenses actions will have a ripple effect on himself and the character around him
        • This is symbolism foreshadow his later actions that result in Lennie's death.
      • The clearing is where we get to know lonnie's character for the first time.
        • He has animalistic qualities, shown in "he walked heavily, dragging his feet... the way a bear drags his paws"
          • this eludes to him having a lack of control and lack of understanding of his strength
            • This foreshadows Lennie killing Curley's wife as he does not know that hitting her will kill her as he does not know his strength.
              • George finds Lennie playing with a dead mouse in the clearing, he does this because like a child he likes the soft feel of their fur, in petting the mouse he kills it, this foreshadows his treatement of Curley's wife.
            • George finds Lennie playing with a dead mouse in the clearing, he does this because like a child he likes the soft feel of their fur, in petting the mouse he kills it, this foreshadows his treatement of Curley's wife.
      • The clearing is also seen as Eden like!
        • This is consolidated by the reference to a snake slithering into the pool, suggesting that the character's misery is because of Adam and eves original sin in the garden of Eden.
          • Steinbeck also uses soothing colours like greens and yellows which are essential to set the mood
            • The mention of "boys coming down from the ranches to swim" and "tramps that come wearily down" is juxtaposition
              • This suggests that the weary tramps is all men in 1930's America can become
      • The clearing also allows Steinbeck to establish Georges parent-child relationship with Lennie.
        • George tells Lennie to stop drinking, saying "you going to be sick"

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