Characterization and its functioning in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men

Fiction

11 April 2018

Characterization and its functioning in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men

This article attempts to shed light on how — traits, motives and psychology of characters complement to other elements of fiction so as to make a narrative function well. For characterization in a fiction cannot be studied in isolation, the relationship of characters to form, content and setting shall be taken into consideration than characterization alone. This write up centers on George and Lennine.

John Steinbeck, in his fiction Of Mice and Men, establishes two lead characters of unique and seemingly opposite temperaments that combine with pastoral life to make his narrative function well. Steinbeck unfolds story of two American drifters named George Milton and Lennie Small in the linear pattern. George and Lennie, two childhood friends with nothing in the world than each other and a dream of having some land of their own, possess their own unique temperaments. George is wise, bright, yet less muscular than Lennie. Unlike George, Linnie possesses childish conscience and he is large in physique. As narrative progresses, Lennie brings in frequent troubles due to his childish behaviors. One day, Lennie brings about significantly big trouble at the cost of his own life. George, regardless of being wise can no longer save his friend; rather he has no choice than killing Lennie.

Lennie’s temperaments appeal to pity and humor in many instances. He is fond of petting animals, but he pets so carelessly that he ends up killing most animals he pets. Firstly, Lennie kills a mouse while petting and he hides it in the pocket. Once George figures out dead mouse in the pocket, he replies to Lennie “…I wish I could put you in a cage with million mice and let you have fun.” George’s reply apparently appeals readers to humor, yet it reflects deep rooted ambivalent emotions aroused by Lennie’s childish temperament. Later, in the chapter five, during their stay in ranch, Lennie kills a pop by petting too hard. This petting habit subsequently leads to a catastrophe wherein Lennie is about to be lynched for accidently killing ranch owner’s daughter in law. Moreover, Lennie’s temperaments also contradict with protagonists’ goal. Two friends established in the novel want to accumulate some money so that they can have some land of their own. Yet, Lennie’s temperaments refrain from working on sustained basis as he causes troubles frequently — leaving them with no other choice than fleeing away from ranch.

 Unique yet seemingly opposite characters with differing temperaments portrayed in Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is cherry on the top with regard to characterization in fiction and its role in craftmanship.

Works Cited

Steinbeck, John. Novels and Stories, 1932-1937. Library of America, 1994.