Sound
English Lit: Edexcel IGCSE Of Mice & Men, topic 5.1.4
Steinbeck's Description of Sound
As well as lots of visual description, Steinbeck also includes detailed descriptions of sound. This is a technique which is sometimes called auditory description.
Background sounds
- Sometimes Steinbeck describes the various background sounds.
- This adds an extra dimension to the setting descriptions, helping the reader to clearly imagine the scene: “There was a clang of horseshoe on iron stake outside and a little cheer of voices.” (Section 3).
Silence
- During tense moments, Steinbeck makes repeated references to silence.
- This creates an awkward and suspenseful atmosphere because we associate silence with awkwardness and tension: “The silence came into the room. And the silence lasted.” (Section 3).
Creating panic
- During the final scene of the novel, Steinbeck describes the sound of the men closing in on George and Lennie.
- As the sounds get louder, the sense of urgency and panic grows: “And the shouts of men sounded again, this time much closer than before.” (Section 6).
Test yourself on Sound
What does sound add to the setting descriptions?
What does Steinbeck make repeated references to in tense moments?