Eng: Hadella article review
According to Hadella, how does Steinbeck "physically associate[s] George with mice;" Do you agree or disagree? Why?
He's described to be "small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features." I agree because that's the animal that lennie associates with the most.
What does Hadella mean by the statement that Lennie's dreams have "Edenic overtones"?
Referencing the Garden of Eden which is paradise, the farm is George and Lennie's paradise.
According to Goldhurst, what image does Steinbeck use to promote this "brother" image at the end of the novel?
Slim and George walking away from the river, where the story had begun, was Steinbeck promoting a "brother" image.
What message is Steinbeck sending to you? How can we view this message on a global scale?
Steinbeck is telling me that having aspirations is okay, yet you cannot always achieve what you want. Not everything goes as planned, but that shouldn't stop you from following your dreams.
Hadella refers to an article by Louis Owens where he states that "there are no Edens in Steinbeck's writing, only illusions of Eden;" What is meant by this statement?
This statement means that there is no paradise in Steinbeck's writing. The only thing closest to paradise is the dream and hope of their paradise to come. George and Lennie's dream having a farm is just an illusion.
How do Curley, Slim, Candy and Crooks react to George and Lennie's achievement of the dream?
all the characters reacted differently to the dream and the relationship George and Lennie shared. Curley was suspicious towards them because he did not really understand them. Slim admired the way that they always looked out for each other. Candy and Crooks were inspired and even, briefly, joined in their dream.
Hadella mentions that Owen argues that OMAM is "not as pessimistic as critics have insisted;" Why?
because in Steinbeck's novel, however, the character's commitment to the dream and to each other is not flawed.
According to Hadella, why is Curley's wife's commentary "as important as sharing the dream"? From what we have discussed about Steinbeck, do you agree or disagree with this statement?
because the companionship implied by such an action is as important as realizing the dream. It implies companionship even though the theme is loneliness.
According to the article , how do George and Lennie represent a "desire to defy the curse of Cain and fallen man"?
by their dream. They want to break the pattern that the outcasts have of loneliness and wandering. They want to return to "the perfect garden". They do this by being each other's keeper.
According to Owen, what is the central theme of OMAM?
loneliness
Owens argues that "although human beings are flawed and that their hopes of regaining Eden are illusory" there is something that is not flawed. What is it?
the commitment and perseverance that the characters have for their dream and for one another isn't flawed.
Look up the Bible verse which asks the question, "Am I my brother's keeper?". According to William Goldhurst, as cited by Hadella, how can this verse be connected to OMAM?
when talking about George and Lennie. George feels he has a duty to take care of watch out for Lennie and throughout the story he does. He acts as his "keeper". George and Lennie have created a bond with each other.
