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Literary Values In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Decent Essays

“The greatest writers and the best readers know that literature is not always mere sugar candy;it can sometimes be a strong medicine:sour perhaps-at least to the untrained taste - but necessary for continued health” (1). A statement written by Professor Thomas Scarseth shows how without value in books, a reading life would never reach its intended purpose. By learning to apply knowledge that books provide through characters, we can improve ourselves as individuals. This particular book, Of Mice and Men, has values such as linguistics, sociological value, and historical value. Linguistics are shown through Steinbeck’s use of poetic devices such as imagery and repetition. Sociological value is given through the perspective of Crooks, who shows the struggle of achieving the great American Dream of having a place to call your own. Finally, historical value is provided through racism and how it affected Crooks, or any other black man at the time. Poetic devices such as imagery and repetition are elements of linguistic value that appeal to readers of all ages. These poetic devices are used as ways to enhance how a story is perceived. Additionally, they are used in different works of writing as ways to provide vivid imagery and create distinct moods. As Steinbeck describes the scenery around the area where George and Lennie were, two men who travel together in hopes of finding a job and making money for a better future, he uses imagery to emphasize the mood,

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