Thursday, April 30, 2009

Between The Line:

Conflict:

What are some problems that Candy faces?

Many of the people who live in the bunk house complain about Candy's dog. They say that it stinks and is ain't no good. Candy has had the dog since it was a puppy and doesn't want to kill it. Killing the dog is like killing a part of him. Carlson pressures Candy about killing the dog. Slim offers him a puppy and urges him to let Carlson shoot the dog. Another problem that Candy faces is that he lost his hand in an accident and worries about his future on the ranch.



Theme:

Explain the theme:The Impossibility of the American Dream

The Impossibility of the American Dream means that your picture perfect dream is basically crushed. Throughout the book many of the characters had hopes and dreams. George and Lennie planned on owning a farm. This dream is mostly expressed through Lennie but George is the one who supports Lennie. Lennie is the most dedicated to the dream. Candy and Crooks join George and Lennie in their quest for the American dream, when they try to become a part of the plan to buy a house on a small piece of land. They all seem to understand from the outset, though, that they will never realize this dream.




Motif:

Explain the motif of solitaire in Of Mice and Men?

Without friends, people would suffer from loneliness and solitude. I think that the author uses solitaire because it's a game you play alone, and it symbolizes the loneliness of the men at the time. The characters, Crooks, Candy, and Curly’s wife all exhibit some form of loneliness. They are driven towards the curiosity of George and Lennie’s friendship because they do not have that support in their life. Crooks is a black man that experiences isolation because the society in which he resides is racist. When Candy was on the ranch, he got into an accident that cost him a physical handicap. Farm machinery took away his hand, leaving him money and loneliness. Curley’s wife notices how simple-minded Lennie is and takes advantage of that situation. She knows that he would be the only one where she could discuss her problems that she deals with everyday. They learn to cope with their loneliness through their interest in Lennie and George’s friendship.


Symbol:

What does Candy's Dog symbolize?

Candy’s Dog, that’s a symbol of weakness. His dog got shot by Carlson because it was old and miserable, he thought of it as pitting it out of its misery. Candy was sad and he loved that dog. The dog was his friend and his companion. The dog is a symbol of a no more use it dies of a shot straight at the back of the head. Lennie's death is compared to the death of Candy's dog. Candy's dog is old, so therefore the men in the bunk house want to dispose of him. Lennie is killed the same way, and even though George is reluctant, he knows that it is his obligation kill Lennie. his dog were excellent workers.



What does the farm symbolize?

George and Lennie’s farm represents hopes and dreams, and new beginnings. Lennie would get to work with the rabbits and George would work on the land. They talk about it constantly; they must work hard so they can save enough money to buy it. Candy also wants part of the dream with George and Lennie. He offers them the money he has been saving. The farm is also a symbol of power for George. When they own it, he won’t have to work for anyone else; the farm is a symbol of many things.



What does Curly's Wife symbolize?

Curly's wife wanted to be an actress. She symbolizes hopes and dreams. Instead of following her dream she marries a farmer’s son. Since she's the only female on the ranch she never gets a chance to talk to anyone. Her husband, Curly, is always somewhere else around the farm while she's always in the house. She could have had a wonderful life, but she thinks her mom threw out the letter from some acting job.

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