Symbolism - Quotations

Steinbecks Use of Symbolism

Symbolism is when a writer uses characters, objects or, in the case of Of Mice and Men, animals, to represent deeper meanings.

"Tend the rabbits"

Lennie dreams of being able to one day “tend the rabbits”.
- The rabbits symbolise Lennie’s childlike innocence, because he loves them for their soft, fluffy fur.

"Live off the fatta the lan'"

George and Lennie dream about an idyllic place where they can “live off the fatta the lan’”.
- This symbol of hope is so powerful that Candy and, for a time, Crooks are also drawn into it.

"Narrow pool"

The “narrow pool” (Section 1) by the Salinas River is a symbol of sanctuary and security.

Candy's dog

Companionship:
- Candy has had the dog “since he was a pup” (Candy, Section 2), and therefore keeps him from feeling lonely and isolated.
Weakness:
- Symbolises what happens to the weak and helpless in society: Carlson decides the dog is of no use anymore, and so decides “to take him out and shoot him right in the back of the head” (Carlson, Section 2).

Wider symbolism

Lennie - symbolises those who are mistreated because of mental disabilities.
Crooks - symbolises people who are discriminated against because of their race: “They play cards in there, but I can't play because I'm black.” (Crooks, Section 4).
Curley’s wife - symbolises women who are oppressed by sexism: “I never get to talk to nobody. I get awful lonely.” (Curley’s wife, Section 5).

1Context & Overview

1.1Context & Overview

1.1.1The Great Depression

1.1.2Racism

1.1.3The American Dream

1.1.4Of Mice & Men

1.2John Steinbeck

1.2.1John Steinbeck's Life

1.2.2End of Topic Test - Context & Overview

2Plot

2.1Section 1 - Analysis

2.1.1Section 1 - Plot

2.1.2Section 1 - Overview

2.2Section 2 - Analysis

2.2.1Section 2 - Plot

2.2.2Section 2 - Overview

2.3Section 3 - Analysis

2.3.1Section 3 - Plot

2.3.2Section 3 - Overview

2.3.3End of Topic Test - Sections 1-3

2.4Section 4 - Analysis

2.4.1Section 4 - Plot

2.4.2Section 4 - Overview

2.5Section 5 - Analysis

2.5.1Section 5 - Plot

2.5.2Section 5 - Overview

2.6Section 6 - Analysis

2.6.1Section 6 - Plot

2.6.2Section 6 - Overview

2.6.3End of Topic Test - Sections 4-6

3Key Characters

3.1Main Characters

3.1.1George

3.1.2Lennie - Strength

3.1.3Lennie - Innocence & Dependence

3.1.4Slim

3.1.5Curley

3.1.6Curley's Wife - Flirtatious

3.1.7Curley's Wife - Lonely & Heartbroken

3.1.8Crooks

3.1.9Candy

3.1.10End of Topic Test - George & Lennie

3.1.11End of Topic Test - Slim, Curley & Curley's Wife

3.2Minor Characters

3.2.1Minor Characters

3.2.2End of Topic Test - Crooks, Candy & Others

4Themes

4.1Key Themes

4.1.1Hopes, Dreams & Reality

4.1.2Racial Prejudice

4.1.3Loneliness & Companionship

4.1.4The Weak & Strong

4.1.5Women

4.1.6End of Topic Test - Key Themes

5Authorial Method

5.1Writing Techniques

5.1.1Dialogue

5.1.2Imagery

5.1.3Light

5.1.4Sound

5.1.5Symbolism

5.1.6Structure

5.1.7End of Topic Test - Writing Techniques

6Recap: Main Quotes

6.1Quotes per Section

6.1.1Section 1 - Quotations

6.1.2Section 2 - Quotations

6.1.3Section 3 - Quotations

6.1.4Section 4 - Quotations

6.1.5Section 5 - Quotations

6.1.6Section 6 - Quotations

6.2Text Structure - Quotes

6.2.1Imagery - Quotations

6.2.2Light - Quotations

6.2.3Sound - Quotations

6.2.4Symbolism - Quotations

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