Of Mice and Men - Themes

this is a mind map of all the major themes in the novel - Of Mice and Men.

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  • Themes in OMAM
    • Pessimism and Optimism
      • Lennie's death is optimistic and pessimistic
        • He was killed by somebody he trusts - George. he also died happy, believing in the dream.
        • Loss of life
        • George free from Lennie and the trouble he brings
    • Dreams and  Reality
      • Many characters have dreams - Curley's Wife, George and ranch workers.
        • Ranch workers want to be cowboy heroes from magazine they read
    • Relationships
      • Relationships are an escape from the harsh depression of the period.
        • Examples of relationships are: Candy + his dog, Curley + Wife and so on.
    • Loneliness
      • Loneliness is common of the ranch workers
        • George and Lennie are seen as unusual
    • Human Fragility
      • Humanity is small and fragile compared to nature.
      • Joy is never achieved for long in the world. if it is then it is eventually taken away.
    • Racial and Physical Prejudice and Protest
      • Steinbeck protests. Uses acceptable term - '*****'
      • Crooks and Candy suffer. Disabled or Black
    • Violence
      • A constant threat of violence. From the Luger pistol to drowning puppies.
  • Many characters have dreams - Curley's Wife, George and ranch workers.
    • Ranch workers want to be cowboy heroes from magazine they read
  • Curley's Wife was going to be in 'the movies'

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