Exploring Violence in the Novel: Characters, Themes, and Society
Violence in the novel is depicted through physical, psychological, and emotional means, highlighting the harsh realities faced by the characters. The analysis delves into the characters' violent tendencies, societal acceptance of violence on the ranch, and the complex dynamics between characters like Lennie and George. The exploration of violence serves as a reflection of the profound despair and limited possibilities in the American society portrayed in the novel.
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Mind-Map all the instances of violence. (Think about types of violence) Challenge: Who is the most violent character in the novel?
What does violence suggest about American society? Violence in the novel is physical, psychological, and emotional. Think about which characters are physically violent and which ones are emotionally. Characters are so accustomed to suspicion and failure that they treat each other cruelly, more ready to destroy each other's dreams (and bodies) than to build them up. Violence may be a natural outlet for all of the ranch's despair and limited possibilities.
1. How do Lennie's violent tendencies affect the way we feel about him? Do we ever think of Lennie as violent, or does he seem more like a gentle guy who accidentally performs violent acts? 2. Is violence an acceptable part of life on the ranch? If so, at what point is it no longer acceptable? 3. Is Lennie's death ultimately a violent act or a loving act by George? Are Lennie's "murders" more or less violent than George's?
Lennie looked sadly up at him. "They was so little," he said apologetically. "I d pet em, and pretty soon they bit my fingers and I pinched their heads a little and then they was dead because they was so little. I wish twe d get the rabbits pretty soon, George. They ain t so little." (Lennie)"I wasn't kicked in the head with no horse, was I, George?" (George) "Be a damn good thing if you was," George said viciously. "Save ever'body a hell of a lot of trouble." (Curley) He glanced coldly at George and then at Lennie. His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists. He stiffened and went into a slight crouch. His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious. (Shooting the dog). A shot sounded in the distance. The men looked quickly at the old man. Every head turned toward him. "Well, you keep your place then, Nigger. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny."
