Close read of mice and men in the passage highlight examples of imagery, identify the type of imagery, and at least three instances describe the effect of the imagery. A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs

Question

deep and green. The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in
the sunlight before reaching the narrow pool. On one side of the river the golden foothill
slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water
is lined with trees- willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf
junctures the debris of the winter's flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent
limbs and branches that arch over the pool. On the sandy bank under the trees the leaves lie
deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering if he runs among them. Rabbits come
out of the brush to sit on the sand in the evening, and the damp flats are covered with the
night tracks of 'coons, and with the spread pads of dogs from the ranches, and with the split-
wedge tracks of deer that come to drink in the dark.
There is a path through the willows and among the sycamores, a path beaten hard by boys
coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who
come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water. In front of the
low horizontal limb of a giant sycamore there is an ash pile made by many fires; the limb is
worn smooth by men who have sat on it.

Answer 1

In this passage from "Of Mice and Men," John Steinbeck employs vivid imagery to create a serene yet layered depiction of the natural landscape, which serves as a backdrop to the themes of the novel. Below are examples of the types of imagery present in the excerpt, along with their effects:

Instances of Imagery:

1. Visual Imagery:

   • Example: "the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green."
   • Effect: This imagery establishes a lush and inviting setting. The description of the river as "deep and green" conjures a sense of tranquility and life, immediately drawing the reader into the natural beauty of the environment. It sets a peaceful tone that contrasts with the struggles of the characters later in the story.

2. Tactile Imagery:

   • Example: "the leaves lie deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering if he runs among them."
   • Effect: The tactile quality of the "crisp" leaves creates a vivid sensory experience, making the scene feel alive and dynamic. This attention to detail emphasizes the vibrancy of nature, suggesting a world rich with movement and activity, yet also one that could be fragile and affected by the passage of time.

3. Auditory Imagery:

   • Example: "the damp flats are covered with the night tracks of 'coons, and with the spread pads of dogs from the ranches."
   • Effect: This description evokes sounds and the idea of life that occurs at night. The presence of animals such as raccoons and dogs implies a shared environment where both human and animal worlds intersect, hinting at a sense of community and the cycles of life that are ongoing despite the characters' individual struggles.

Overall Effect of the Imagery:

The imagery in this passage serves several broader purposes in the context of "Of Mice and Men."

• Contrast with Human Struggles: Although the imagery evokes beauty and serenity, it contrasts sharply with the hardships and loneliness faced by the characters like George and Lennie. The peaceful setting acts as a backdrop to the tumultuous emotions and conflicts that will unfold, highlighting the fleeting moments of tranquility in their lives.

• Symbolism of Nature: The detailed depiction of the Salinas River and its surroundings symbolizes both refuge and the natural cycle of life, underscoring themes of hope and despair. Nature offers solace, but it is also indifferent to human suffering, reflecting the novel's existential themes.

• Mood Setting: Steinbeck’s use of descriptive imagery effectively establishes an immersive mood that invites readers to feel the atmosphere of the world he creates. This sensory richness allows readers to experience the environment viscerally, drawing them further into the narrative and its thematic concerns.

In summary, through his vivid imagery, Steinbeck not only paints a vivid picture of the natural landscape but also uses this imagery to underscore key themes of the novel, enriching the reader's understanding of the characters and their struggles.