Monday, June 30, 2014

How does Steinbeck create a sence of hostility in chapter two in Of Mice and Men?

Chapter 2 of the story Of Mice and Men
introduces us to many difficult characters who we can almost foreshadow to be
a problem for Lennie and George.


First, they meet the new
boss, who is rough and unwelcoming. When he asks the questions, George answers for
Lennie because Lennie is mentally challenged. A climactic moment occurs when Lennie
answers a question despite George's efforts to keep him quiet. This is how he got found
out about his mental condition, making George quite
frustrated.


We also get to know the boss's son, Curly, who
was basically pedantic and insecure. He immediately picked on Lennie since he was
jealous of Lennie's much bigger size and his attitude immediately brushed George the
wrong way. In fact, George immediately knew that he hated
him.


Finally, we also meet Curly's wife which it was clear
from the get go that she is a tramp and she is trouble. She has probably slept with the
field hands and she was more than likely eager to know who are the "two new guys" so she
can start causing trouble.


Therefore, Steinbeck really
created unease and hostility all through the chapter by introducing at once every
obstacle that will come in the way of George and Lennie's dreams, and by making them so
unlikeable that one has to say "BOY, what a first day of work!"

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