Steinbeck uses the setting of this chapter to help mirror the opening of the book. In particular, he uses phrases and images that are similar to both: for example “[a] water-snake slipped along on the pool, its head held up like a little periscope...” (Chapter 1) and “[a] water-snake glided smoothly up the pool, twisting its periscope head from side to side...” (Chapter 6). Find one other example of this, and use quotes to illustrate the similarity. Why do you think Steinbeck uses this mirroring technique?

a. Another example of mirroring used by Steinbeck is the conversation between Lennie and George near the pool.

' "If you don’ want me I can go off in the hills an’ find a cave. I can  go away any time."

"No - look! I was jus’ foolin’, Lennie. ’Cause'. I want you to stay

with me. ' (Chapter 1).

' "Well, I can go away," said Lennie. "I'll go right off in the hills an'

find a cave if you don' want me."

George shook himself again. "No," he said. "I want you to stay

with me here." ' (Chapter 6).

b. Steinbeckhas used this mirroring technique to show his reader that how George and Lennie are back to the place from where they began. A place where George shares his dream with Lennie.

Explanation:

'Of Mice and Men' is a novella set during the time of the Great Depression and written by John Steinbeck. The novella is about two ranch laborers, named George and Lennie.

The author has used the mirroring technique in his novella to depict the cycle of life. The story ends at the very same place it began.

a. Another example of mirroring technique used by Steinbeck is the conversation between George and Lennie. In Chapter 1, George and Lennie talks with each other near the pool talking about their dream. Similarly, George and Lennie have conversation with each other, last time, sharing dreams, at the same place where they began.

' "If you don’ want me I can go off in the hills an’ find a cave. I can  go away any time."

"No - look! I was jus’ foolin’, Lennie. ’Cause'. I want you to stay

with me. ' (Chapter 1).

' "Well, I can go away," said Lennie. "I'll go right off in the hills an'

find a cave if you don' want me."

George shook himself again. "No," he said. "I want you to stay

with me here." ' (Chapter 6).

b. Steinbeck has used this mirroring technique to depict the cycle of life. George and Lennie come to the same place in Chapter 1 where they started in Chapter 1. George shares with Lennie the same dream at the same place, with the only difference that now, in chapter 6, the dream will not be fulfilled. They share their last conversation in Chapter 6.