Final answer:
John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' explores themes made timeless through their connection to human experiences such as friendship and the search for a better life. These themes are paralleled in Steinbeck's 'The Grapes of Wrath' and are further contextualized by historical and contemporary events. The novella's enduring themes underscore the universality of human striving and social connectedness.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a multifaceted work that utilizes various subjects to create a timeless theme. The themes of friendship, the American dream, loneliness, and social injustice are interwoven throughout the novel to reflect the human condition. Steinbeck's characters, like George and Lennie, exemplify the importance of companionship, while the pursuit of their shared dream signifies the universal longing for a better life. The novella's setting during the Great Depression illustrates the widespread social and economic hardships that amplify personal struggles.
Steinbeck employs conflict to shape his themes, much like Mark Twain does in his writings. For instance, Twain's recounting of a challenging river crossing illuminates the concept that self-trust and reliance on one's abilities are crucial when facing adversity. Similarly, Steinbeck's characters confront both internal and external conflicts, enhancing the narrative's thematic depth. Through the Joad family's struggle in The Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck further elaborates on the themes of community and collective human spirit.
Examining the relationships between plot, setting, characters, and structure is key to understanding the themes Steinbeck explores. The enduring relevance of these themes is underscored by comparable contemporary experiences, such as soil over-tillage in other parts of the world, akin to the Dust Bowl that displaced the Joads. This connection between past and present emphasizes the universal aspect of Steinbeck's thematic concerns.