As a Conclusion

Many authors find the inspiration to write in different aspects of their own life but it seems that Steinbeck found it in a poem. 'To a Mouse' by Robert Burns, is a poem focusing on the fragility of the lives we build. We build homes and a life yet one small thing can tear everything we have worked so hard on to shreds. This is, indeed, the case in the book Of Mice and Men. George and Lennie work incredibly hard to build themselves a proper home in which they will be able to spend their future, but one small event alters the entire plan. Forcing it to collapse. During the mid 1930's, at the time that the book was written, a great depression had brought many people to poverty. This only brought more proof of life's fragile properties. One stock market crash and suddenly numerous people were turned out of their homes; left begging on the streets. Steinbeck's choice to call his book Of Mice and Men was an interesting, yet meaningful, decision. It symbolizes the theory that was stated in the poem and suggests a loss of a home. Which is, in fact, extremely close to the actual plot of the novella. 

Alternative Ending

Orange streaks were etched into the sky. Sparrows called to each other within the brush and thrushes swooped low in the sky; their silhouettes dark against the setting sun. A brook flowed through a small clearing of the brush, the water splashing over small rocks jutting out from the crystalline surface. Translucent drops flying through the air.

A rustling sound came from the bushes as a muddy boot protruded the greenery then came the buzz of contained excitement as five men marched into the clearing. Leading the entire parade was Curley. Rifle swung over his shoulder.

“Where’d that bastard go?” Curley’s voice was loud and it interrupted the peace of the valley. But was met with silence. Even the birds had fled. And the creek seemed to have muffled its gurgling voice.

George was the last of the procession. His feet dragging in the dirt, shoulders slumped, leaving his head hanging. Glaring towards the ground. His hands were shoved into the pockets of his jeans. He seemed capable only to mutter over and over, “ Lennie, ya son of a bitch, I said no trouble. No goddamn trouble if ya want those bloody rabbits… ya son of a bitch.”

The march continued on with low whines from Carlson about his gun until Curley said, “George, ya better know where that bastard be goin’. I ain’t seen no one walk this far.”

George said, “ He be goin’ ‘round here. He ain’t know no other way.”

Slim turned back to look at George. His gaze scrutinizing before he spoke up, “ Curley this ain’t gotta be possible. Ya go with Carlson n Whitt. Go walk back n look under bushes. That son of a bitch gotta be hiding. Me n George’ll walk on. I’ll stay with ‘im. Ya go n find the guy.”

“Don’ let George go… n ill find me that bastard. Shoot his guts out, ” was all Curley said. Then he vanished into the brush. Walking back. His footsteps heavy. Whit and Carlson followed for what Slim said was law.

Only then did Slim look at George. His head and risen and a look had come into his eyes. His posture was no longer slouched, he’d straightened his back and his gaze was focused on Slim; awaiting an explanation. The large man only smiled and continued walking. His pace considerably quickened.

After the two men reached the larger clearing slim skidded to a stop. His heavy, work boots arising a cloud of dust. George finally mustered his voice and said, “Why’d ya do that.  You ain’t gettin’ nothin’.”

“That bastard ain’t mean to do it. He ain’t.” Slim’s eyes grew suspiciously moist but his head turned. “George.. you’re a good fella, take ‘im. Take ‘im away n make your choice. If ya ain’t back ill tell ‘em ya quit. Couldn’t stand it.” With that and a nod of his head, Slim was gone.

George looked after him with a lingering glance before turning towards the path. He was almost there. Almost at the clearing he had promised to meet Lennie. He would be there in a good quarter of an hour, and then they could decide. Suddenly he noticed the last rays of the sun glowing on his face and he hurried on his way; before the sun completely disappeared in the darkening sky.

Curley's Wife

Curley's wife is a unique character in the book. John Steinbeck proves to be extremely talented in character descriptions, especially in this case. Curley's wife portrays a very confident woman that is unsatisfied with what she has and does not hesitate to use her power to intimidate others. However, once a closer look is taken at her she seems to be hiding her true thoughts and feelings pretty well. In reality she is a lonely girl with broken dreams and a brilliant future lost to a ranch married to a man with money, but a man that is self centered and over confident.

The men living in the quarters are already aware that she is just hopping from one man to another, playing her cards, flirting and causing trouble before moving on to the next, regardless of the fact that she has a husband. When she talks sincerely without flirting, though, it is evident that she is just a lonely girl all alone on a ranch filled with only guys. Once upon a time she had dreams to be a movie star, but she has turned out to be just another girl trapped in a loveless marriage and tied to her home.

In most areas of the book she is made to sounds like such a nasty character but in the end I feel slightly sorry for her. She may act like a troublesome woman constanly annoying anyone but she is so much more underneath her tough, controlling exterior.