Motifs

Motifs were demonstrated throughout the book of mice and men. There have been examples of strengths and weaknesses. There have been examples of loneliness and companionship. Also there were examples of the corrupting powers of women. In fact motifs could be fund anywhere in this book.

Strengths that I really noticed, in fact one I think everyone noticed was the strength of Lennie. Not only was Lennie physically strong but also he had a great strength in helping a task to be performed. When working with the guys he made things a lot easier. Along with working strength, Lennie, Candy and George had a great strength when it came to strategy. All three were able to strategies a plan of success to get them living the or what we call “The Good Life”. One weakness, which got in the way, was Lennie and his condition.

Along with strength and weaknesses came loneliness and companionship. One prime example of that would have to be Candy and his dog. They had such a loving relationship, the two were inseperable. Candy had a one true friend in him and visa versa. This was all put to an end when the dog aged with candy becoming to old to work anymore and creating conflict between dog and workers. This led to the death of Candy’s best friend, causing him loneliness. This isn’t the only example, when Curley married his wife, it seemed, as very young married couple would think, that it was the start of great loving companionship. Things didn’t go as well planed. Curley’s wife lost that companionship she seeked, this causing her loneliness. In an attempt to fill the void she seeks out the attention of other males.

From the loneliness the true corrupting powers of women were truly shown. Not only did she try to flirt with George in the beginning of the story but she try s to flirt with almost every guy she comes across. Marrying Curley which had seemed to be a dream complete, turned into a nightmare of loneliness, longing and bondage. It was as if she had no right to anything. Curley gave her no attention and no one else was allowed to either. Through this circumstance Curley’s wife try’s as hard as she can to use her corrupting women powers. She would make sure she wore the right clothes, the right attitude and definitely she made sure she had the right words. This all led to problems between the guys and Curley all over ONE woman.

Motifs can be found in any situation. Every book you pick up to read you find a lot of motifs. The book of mice and men really had great motifs exhibited.