Final answer:
In 'Of Mice and Men', setting is fundamental in character development and plot progression. Steinbeck uses environmental elements to reflect the characters' inner lives and underscore their struggles during the Great Depression.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Setting in 'Of Mice and Men'
In John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men', setting plays a crucial role in developing characters and advancing the plot. Steinbeck uses the environment to reflect the inner life of characters and shape the narrative. The story is set in the Great Depression and the plight of the characters is inextricably linked to the economic and environmental hardships of this era. The Salinas Valley, with its fertile but challenging agricultural land, mirrors the struggles of the protagonists, George and Lennie, in dream chasing amidst difficult circumstances.
The bunkhouse where the characters live and work is stark and utilitarian, underscoring the transient and unrooted existence of the itinerant workers. Similarly, the isolation of the ranch and vastness of the landscape emphasize loneliness and the disconnected relationships among the characters. These settings not only provide a backdrop but also serve to enhance tension and foreshadow events within the narrative.
Thus, Steinbeck’s adept use of setting establishes the mood and facilitates character development, making it critical to understanding the emotional undertones and social commentary of the novel.