Form, structure and language - CCEAUse of language in Of Mice and Men
Of Mice and Men is a short novel, or novella, but it has similarities to a play in its use of natural dialogue and minimal description. Learn about its cyclical structure and its use of repetition.
Steinbeck includes a lot of dialogue in the book, and this is all written in colloquialInformal language; the type of language that people would commonly use in conversation. language. This reflects the way that people would really have spoken, which shows Steinbeck鈥檚 focus on trying to show the hardship of life for itinerant workers during the Great Depression.
There is a lot of animal imagery used throughout the novella. Lennie in particular is linked to animals through similes and metaphors. This demonstrates his inability to understand the behaviour of others and the consequences of his own actions. The way that animals are treated, such as Candy鈥檚 dog, also reveals a lot about how society treats people.
Steinbeck writes in a direct and straightforward way, particularly when referring to things that happen on the ranch. This reflects the way in which the men on the ranch speak: they are honest and forthrightVery direct and honest.. However, in the parts of the book (mainly at the beginning and end) which are set in unspoiled nature, Steinbeck is more descriptive, perhaps suggesting that beauty exists in this world primarily where man has not interfered.