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
peaceful tone. This last scene has the same setting as the first, but its mood is
completely different, although it is clearly reminiscent of the very first pages of the novel. 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). Stienbeck transforms the scene we once saw as a beautiful ecosystem of wildlife into something much more violent. 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". This contrast in imagery is certainly not designed to be subtle, and foreshadows Lenny's murder--an innocent man about to be killed for his ignorance. He watches this snake, innocent just like him, about to be 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. Stienbeck poses the question of morality as soon as the reader realizes what's about to happen.
This last question of justice before the
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.
Roz, I really liked how you brought in the terms of "mood" and "tone" into your essay, because you know the AP readers will just eat that up. It clarified your point concisely and intelligently. Also, do you remember how, when we were working on our drafts yesterday in class, we were told to knock the opener out of the park to set ourselves up for a better score? Even though you couldn't have possibly known about that grading tic when you were writing this, I think your intro paragraph could use a little bit more oomph. Right now it's short and sweet, but is more of a thesis statement that an introduction. Maybe you could be a little more specific about what you'll be discussing in your paper, and cite the meadow description as something you're going to talk about. You might integrate one of the themes of Mice & Men into your claim to add that unspoken "meaning" component that Holmes is always talking about. Something simple might change the reader's first impression, so it's something to keep in mind.
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