When reading a novel, it is important to consider the
narrative and all the elements of fiction as a whole. For, it is erroneous to evaluate
scenes solely as isolated incidents, when they are often connected to previous
foreshadowing or other incidents. This incident of Curley's entering the bunkhouse and
seeing Lennie smiling is an example. For, the simple happiness Lennie displays as he
contemplates his and George's dream is misinterpreted by Curley as a smirk of Lenny
against him. after the derogatory remarks of Carlson and Candy who have accused him of
being "yella as a frog belly" and weird about his one hand: "What the hell you laughin'
at?...I'll show you who's yella." (Curley also feels safer saying something to Lennie
because he has observed George telling him to be
quiet.
And, this misinterpretation carries much import
for the entire narrative of Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. First of
all, this misinterpretation of Curley about Lennie's smiling indicates Curley's
insecurity about being short. For, he thinks Lennie is scoffing at him as physically
inferior. Secondly, this misread of Lennie causes Curley to foster aggressive,
antipathetic feelings toward Lennie. So, when he takes a swing at Lennie, there is
verisimilitude that has been established since he thinks Lennie will not fight and he
can punch him quickly, whereas Carlson and Slim would probably not let Curley even take
a swing at them. Finally, these scene underscores Steinbeck's theme that alienation
from others--as the itinerant workers of the Depression era were--makes for fearfully
agressive men who try to disguise their vulnerability.
No comments:
Post a Comment