Of Mice and Men
The stock market crash of 1929 left the United States’ economy in shambles and brought
uncertainty into the lives of every American. Feelings of economic and societal instability forced
many to reevaluate their plans for the future, often seeking the seemingly unchangeable out of a
desire for comfort. John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men illustrates Depression Era life on the
Tyler Ranch, wherein many place their hopes in notions of certainty. Throughout his classic
novel,
Steinbeck shows that individuals often seek the unchanging and predictable in order to find
comfort in a perceived state of stability. This is shown through the automatic nature of George’s
storytelling, Candy’s defence of his dog’s life, and Curley’s wife’s acceptance of her position in
life.
To begin, George’s methodical retelling of his and Lennie’s plans for the future shows
that individuals seek comfort in a sense of stability. After a brief argument between the two over
Lennie’s misdeeds in Weed, Lennie begs George to tell him about their plans to purchase their
own farm. George does so “rhythmically as though he had [explained] several times before”
(13). The rhythmic nature of George’s words calms and delights Lennie, providing a sense of
certainty of the two men’s future. The rehearsed nature of the speech is familiar to Lennie and
brings him a comforting sense of stability, which is able to take effect even among the
precariousness of having to find work and ultimately, a new life.
Next, Candy’s pleading defense of his dog’s life illustrates the fact that individuals seek
comfort in the unchanging. Upon returning to the bunkhouse after a day of work, Carlson
attempts to convince Candy that his dog should be killed, based on the animal’s old age and
perceived lack of usefulness. When pushed, Candy’s quiet defence is merely that he is “so used
to him [... and that he has] had him from a pup” (45). Although Candy is unable to further
substantiate a reason the animal should be kept alive, he remains personally convinced on the
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