Steinbeck’s most profound use of literary devices comes in the form of symbols. The symbolic images in the novel bring out its primary and secondary themes. Consider Steinbeck’s use of Candy’s dog’s murder. The killing of this old dog is something that haunts the landscape of the novel. It is a symbol, and a great literary device to reflect how the world filled of Carlsons and Curleys have no regard for that which does not bring immediate benefit to them. The image of the farm, and the manner in which George tells the story is something that is repeated, first introduced at the start of the novel and brought out all the way until the end. In this, the literary device of repetition is used effectively in order to maximize its impact.
I would say that the use of foreshadowing is another great literary device that brings out much in way of meaning and purpose in the novel. From the opening, when George tells Lennie about their special rendezvous point to George insisting to Lennie that he stay away from Curley and Curley’s wife, there are multiple uses of foreshadowing whereby the reader has a sense that Steinbeck is reminding them that this seemingly simple story will carry tremendous implications by its end.
Of Mice and Men deals with themes of friendship, loneliness, longing, powerlessness, belonging and hoping. These themes are interrelated and touch upon the lives of each character in different ways. Although most of these themes are easily apparent, look out for subtlety and subtext in the novel. Of Mice and Men teaches a grim lesson about the nature of human existence. Nearly all of the characters, including George, Lennie, Candy, Crooks, and Curley’s wife, admit, at one time or another, to having a profound sense of loneliness and isolation. Each desires the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the attentive ear of a stranger.
Steinbeck records a profound human truth: oppression does not come only from the hands of the strong or the powerful. Crooks seems at his strongest when he has nearly reduced Lennie to tears for fear that something bad has happened to George, just as Curley’s wife feels most powerful when she threatens to have Crooks lynched. The novella suggests that the most visible kind of strength—that used to oppress others—is itself born of weakness.
(you could also write about the American dream and how badly everyone dreamt of it. ) The fact that Curley's wife didn't want to marry Curley and wanted to become an actress. Lennie and George's dream about owning their own ranch. Crooks' dream where he has lost everything..
