1979. Choose a
complex and important character in a novel or a play of recognized literary
merit who might on the basis of the character's actions alone be considered
evil or immoral. In a well-organized essay, explain both how and why the full
presentation of the character in the work makes us react more sympathetically
than we otherwise might. Avoid plot summary.
Throughout John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, George Milton proves to be a character who may be classified as evil or immoral on the basis of his actions, such as being selfish in his dream of owning a farm, using his friend Lennie to his advantage, and shooting and killing his best friend. However, as Steinbeck portrays George as one who is caring unconditionally for his friend and hopeful about the future, readers are more inclined to react more sympathetically towards him.
George Milton is one who is selfish and individualistic. In the intro of the novel, we see George telling Lennie his dream of owning his own farm. This dream sounds to be a bit selfish as he thinks of owning the farm himself and being his own boss with Lennie. At no point does he mention sharing pay or living happily with Lennie because he likes Lennie. This shows how he is only thinking of himself which daydreaming of this future. Concurrently, the portrayal of George being an idealist pushes the reader to think of George in a more sympathetic light as we know that he has endured much hardship, yet maintains his faith and hope. It is clear that George is willing to work hard for his dream and doesn't expect it to be handed to him. The reader cannot keep from rooting for the unlikely hero in the hopes that those who try hard will get what they want in the end, despite his selfish ways.
George uses Lennie throughout the book to his advantage. Lennie's mental disability allows George to manipulate him to his advantage. George says that Lennie can stay with him when he buys his own farm because otherwise George would get bored. In addition, Lennie's strength will prove to be useful in the future. This shows that he is using Lennie, not as a friend, but as a person to be there to talk to and do manual labor. George reveals in a conversation that he at one point had made fun of Lennie. Lennie also used as a guard. When Curly is upset and Lennie, George orders Lennie to fight Curly back. It can be inferred that this action was partially due to George's strong distaste of Curly. By using Lennie's physical strength to his advantage, the reader gets a sense that George is manipulative. However, Steinbeck shows that George is also caring about his friend, showing that he will always stick with Lennie, even when he got them kicked out of the old town they were in, Weed. This unconditional bond that the two share is highlighted throughout the book and seems to be the driving force for the both of them. The reader understands George and sees that he is willing to sacrifice his time and effort to support the one person who has stayed by his side the whole time. This leads the reader to care more about George and see that he is truly a good person.
The ultimate immoral act that George commits in the novel is the murder of his best friend. As the reader learns more of the deep connection between the friends, we are shocked by the novel's finale as George shoots Lennie in the back of the head. The murder of anyone can be considered immoral, but one of a best friend is unthinkable. At the same time, the reader is able to understand that it is George's love for Lennie that pushes him to kill him. He wants to put Lennie out of the way of Curly and his gang. By even telling the story of their dream before shooting him, he allows Lennie to go in a happy state. Readers are more inclined to be sympathetic toward George by this sweet, yet tragic ending to the novel.
Elapsed time: 40 minutes
Make sure to indent the paragraphs! Also, I haven't read this book, so that could be a reason why I had a little bit of a hard time following the different events you mention. But, in I believe the 4th paragraph, it sometimes got hard to follow because you mention George using Lennie in different ways and making fun of him, then you say that they have unconditional love. So since it's two separate ideas, try separating them into two different paragraphs. Also, the part about George making fun of Lennie, seems unnecessary to the piece. Also at the end, maybe elaborate a little bit more on the murder, but again, this could just be me, because I haven't read the book. :)
ReplyDeleteI have not read this book either, so I wasn't too sure on everything that you discussed, so I have to agree with Tulsi that I wasn't sure about the claim/thesis you were making since George was described as both manipulative and loving. Overall though, I think you did a pretty nice job!
ReplyDeleteGood job at not summarizing the book. I have read the book so I was able to follow it but I agree with Tulsi that you should split up your third paragraph for an easier read. I would consider adding a conclusion to tie up all of the events that you discussed as well. Personally I would organize the essay by talking about all of the acts George does that makes one think he is immoral, and then I would talk about his motives for some of his actions and how that ultimately changes the way one perceives him. This way people who haven't read the book may be able to follow it better because they won't be confused with George being rude and then loving.
ReplyDeleteFor your September Prompt, peers commented that you needed clearer warrants and less plot summary; you do a great job this time making sure that you are clearly arguing and not summarizing, and are using well-reasoned warrants.
ReplyDeleteI strongly disagree with the peer comments this month about splitting up that third paragraph--splitting it up would destroy your essay's clear and effective structure. The alternate structure that Caroline suggests (when she writes "I would organize the essay by talking about all of the acts George does that makes one think he is immoral, and then I would talk about his motives for some of his actions and how that ultimately changes the way one perceives him") would be another way to organize this that would also be effective, but is not necessarily superior to the way you've chosen here.
For next month, please work on the clarity of your wording--I think that this is one reason that your peers are having trouble following your arguments in both September's and October's Prompts.