Of Mice and Men correction

 Groupwork

1. Write a presentation for all characters, including quotes (especially when first introduced).

 

Advice = try and focus on words, the way characters are introduced. What they are described doing, saying, thinking. (eg, with Candy).

2. Write about the importance of nature, how it is represented, and when in the book. Use quotes.

 

Nature is described in great detail, especially at the beginning of every section. Nature vs Culture ? 

 

3. Using both the novel and the course, try and highlight the different themes explored in the novel.

Possible other themes...

a. Cycles, breaking predestination (Nature, Lennie keeps doing the same thing over and over, etc.)

b. Is friendship possible ? a conflicting brotherhood ; inescapable oppositions ; everyone is lonely in the end ; clashing dreams (Lennie's dream of a ranch, George's dream of being on his own).

c. American Dream, Americana in Of Mice and Men

d. Freedom. Are the characters free ?

 

 Commentary correction

preliminary remarks

This passage from section 2 introduces several important points : The mysterious origin of Lennie, George's frustration, Candy's presentation, and the aftermath (consequence) of the interview with the boss.

1. How is characterization exemplified here ?

Lennie + George = conflict. Solved mostly through dialogues. 

Candy + old dog = Candy. They are consubstantial. 

2. Is tragedy used here ?

George = shooting, hell x 2. Tempts Destiny / predestination. Lennie as cards reader (very good questions = Sphynx + Oedipus), asking the three question : where I come from ? Who am I ? (and in section 3, Where am I going ?). Oedipus thinks he's mastered the riddle (enigma), but he's yet to learn about his real past, self and future, just like George. Fear + awe (Artistotle).

Candy = will lose the dog. Anticipation : we don't have Carlson's reaction to the dog first, but its relationship with the old man.

Unity = place, time and action.

3. Writing as a conflict between innocence and experience

characters are the ones who name one another, in a collaboration with the author / demiurge. 

American, yet universal = language of the characters (US), strict writing rules millenia old (universal)

paradox = characters should not talk, should not share secrets, should be on their own. 

Novels as documentaries on their own writing.

Of Mice and Men, 1992

Today we watched a passage from a movie adaptation from the early 1990s. We found many significant differences : 

- We get to see the ranch hands playing.

- there's music.

- Curley's wife is made nice. She says Curley has broken her records. She speaks about leaving (dream) early.

- Lennie and George are rather calm.

- George and Candy talk about the farm and the down payment some more.