Final answer:
In the novel, Steinbeck establishes contrasting settings in chapter one and chapter six to reflect the deterioration of the characters' dreams and the loss of hope. The different settings symbolize the fragility of dreams and the impossibility of achieving the American Dream. At the beginnings of chapters in Steinbeck's work is used to establish mood, develop characters, and contribute to the thematic structure of the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel, John Steinbeck establishes the setting differently in the beginning of chapter one compared to the beginning of chapter six. In chapter one, the setting is described as a ranch in the Salinas Valley of California, with a sense of tranquility and harmony. The reader is introduced to the natural beauty of the landscape and the peacefulness of the setting. This setting establishes a hopeful and promising tone, suggesting a chance for a fresh start and a better life for the characters.
On the other hand, in chapter six, the setting is portrayed as desolate and unsettling. It takes place in the same location as chapter one, but now the ranch is empty, abandoned, and covered in ashes. The once vibrant and optimistic atmosphere has been replaced by a sense of despair and decay. This shift in setting reflects the deterioration of the characters' dreams and the loss of hope. It emphasizes the harsh reality of their circumstances and foreshadows the tragic events that unfold.
The theme that Steinbeck is trying to present through these contrasting settings is the fragility of dreams and the impossibility of achieving the American Dream. The beginning of the novel presents the possibility of a better life and the pursuit of dreams, but as the story progresses, the harsh realities of the world and the socioeconomic limitations faced by the characters become apparent. The changing settings symbolize the destruction and collapse of these dreams, illustrating the futile nature of their aspirations.