A Quest for Identity - Of Mice and Men essays

A Quest for Identity - Of Mice and Men essays In both John Steinbecks novel and the Gary Sinise film, Of Mice and Men, the theme of a person's quest for identification is present. The two main characters build a strong friendship in search of work so they may purchase some land of their own. There are many symbols in the story that the characters attach themselves to, inexplicably, that serve as a talisman to satisfy the needs of fulfillment and help define their sense of possession or identification. In an article written by Todd M. Lieber entitled, Talismanic Patterns in the Novels of John Steinbeck, Lieber explains this idea exists as a recurrent structural pattern in almost all of Steinbecks novels, and it contributes significantly to the central themes of his work, helping to convey much that is inexplicable in his vision of man (262). Leiber goes on and writes Talismanic symbols take many and various forms in Steinbecks novels (263). Land is one of the many talismanic symbols in Of Mice and Men that drive the ambition of our main characters to set out on a quest in search of a place to call their own. In the beginning of the story, the setting is described to the readers. It foretells the more powerful symbols of the book. The main characters George and Lennie settle upon a spot between a river and the hills, beyond that are mountains that surround the valley. They decide not to go on to their job destination until morning. As they set up there spot for the night, George asks Lennie to go round up some wood for a fire. Lennie gathers wood and George builds a fire with it to prepare their bean supper. Lennie, who suffers from a mental handicap, tends to be forgetful to the fact that George has to take care of him, which fuels Georges anger into a long speech. George tells Lennie, God youre a lot of trouble, I could get along so easy and so nice if I didnt have you on my tail (S...