1973. An effective literary work does not merely stop or cease; it concludes. In the view of some critics, a work that does not provide the pleasure of significant closure has terminated with an artistic fault. A satisfactory ending is not, however, always conclusive in every sense; significant closure may require the reader to abide with or adjust to ambiguity and uncertainty. In an essay, discuss the ending of a novel or play of acknowledged literary merit. Explain precisely how and why the ending appropriately or inappropriately concludes the work. Do not merely summarize the plot.
The relationship between the opening and closing of Stienbecks, "Of Mice and Men" is one of the most symbolic and beautifully crafted parts of the book. The final scene brings the book full circle and appropriately leaves the reader with a sense of closure, and plenty of food for thought.
The novel opens up to a serene clearing in the woods as Stienbeck describes the scene in long graceful phrases that create a quiet peaceful tone for the reader, reminiscent of the very first page of the book. This last scene has the same setting as the first, but its mood is completely different. Instead of a a beautiful, innocent meadow, the setting is described with a much harsher tone. Lenny watches as "a motionless heron that stood in the shallows...lanced down and plucked it [a water snake] out by the head"(Stienbeck). We also see that a "a pleasant shade had fallen", unlike the water from before that had "slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight".
Lenny, an innocent man just short of being killed for his ignorance, watches that innocent snake get eaten by the heron. Both creatures of nature who for some reason got the short end of the stick when nature chose who will survive. Death comes quickly to both who are very unaware of their fate, even right up to the very end.
Just before Lenny's murder, George assures him that everything is fine, and forces himself to talk with his best friend one last time about their dream. This one last touch on the theme of everlasting friendship before a bitter ending wraps up the book into a heart wrenching but satisfying novel due to Steinbeck's beautiful description of nature and his ability to bring the book full circle.
This is a great book to use for your prompt. You have a great thesis about bringing the book full circle to provide a satisfying ending. Having read the book myself I agree with most everything in the essay. However, if I hadn't read it before it would be a bit confusing. You should add some summary about George and Lenny's relationship and about how Lenny is different, and probably about their "dream" since you reference it in the end. If you add that somewhere in there it's great! I especially like the quotes you inserted. They really strengthen your thesis.
ReplyDeleteExcellent choice of work for this prompt. You might want to include in your thesis how you will talk about Steinbeck's description of nature and the full-circle effect, even if that means just adding a sentence or so about it. This will help the reader of your essay understand the main points you are trying to make. Other than that, I thought you did a good job explaining your point and supporting yourself with quotes. Keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteI really liked your insightful analysis and interpretation of Steinbeck's conclusion. Your description and explanation of the peaceful scene was great. Your thesis statement was a bit vague, since almost any good conclusion "leaves the reader with a sense of closure." In your thesis, you should be more specific in describing what the conclusion does, saying something like "it ends the book with bitter tone that leaves the reader sad." Once you strengthen your thesis and add a concluding statement, this will be a great essay.
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