The Classic Novel

John Steinbeck\’s classic novel, Of Mice and Men, has been a staple of literature classrooms for decades. This book follows the story of two unlikely friends, George and Lennie, who travel through the Salinas Valley in California during the Great Depression. The novel is filled with themes of friendship, struggle, tragedy, and, ultimately, hope. But one element of the story that is often overlooked is the presence of white. The white of the novel is symbolic and can be interpreted in a variety of ways.

The White of the Valley

The white of the novel is often connected to the Salinas Valley itself. This valley is a prominent setting for the novel and is described as being \”white in the moonlight.\” This imagery of white is frequently used throughout the novel and serves as a stark contrast to the darkness of the Great Depression. The white of the valley is often seen as a symbol of hope and possibility, with George and Lennie dreaming of finding a place of their own and settling down.

The White of Death

Another interpretation of the white of the novel is as a symbol of death. This is particularly evident in the death of Candy\’s dog, which is described as being \”white in the moonlight.\” This scene serves as a reminder of the fragility of life, and the inevitability of death. The white of the valley also serves as a reminder of this, as it is often seen as a stark contrast to the darkness of the Great Depression.

The White of the Dream

The white of the novel is also seen as a symbol of George and Lennie\’s dream. Throughout the novel, George and Lennie dream of having their own piece of land and settling down on it. This dream is represented by the white of the valley, as it serves as a symbol of hope and possibility. The dream of owning their own land serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of achieving one\’s dreams.

The White of Friendship

The white of the novel is also seen as a symbol of friendship. George and Lennie\’s friendship is one of the most important relationships in the novel, and it is often represented by the white of the valley. This white serves as a reminder of the strength of their friendship, and the way in which it transcends the darkness of the Great Depression. Their friendship is a source of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

The White of the Moon

The white of the novel is also seen as a symbol of the moon. The moon is often mentioned in the novel as a source of light and hope during the darkness of the Great Depression. The white of the moon serves as a reminder of the power of the natural world, and how it can be a source of comfort and strength in times of hardship.

The White of the Future

The white of the novel is also seen as a symbol of the future. Throughout the novel, George and Lennie are driven by the hope of achieving their dreams and building a better future for themselves. The white of the valley serves as a reminder of this hope, and the possibility of a brighter tomorrow.

Conclusion

The white of the novel is a powerful symbol that can be interpreted in a variety of ways. It can be seen as a symbol of hope, death, friendship, the moon, and the future. It serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the power of the natural world. Ultimately, the white of the novel serves as an important reminder of the importance of striving for our dreams, no matter how dark the present may seem.