Steinbeck's use of biblical allusions in Of Mice and Men Christian and biblical. Keeping in mind Steinbeck's irreligious nature, these allusions in Of Mice and Men can be understood as Steinbeck creating a familiar framework for exploring issues of moral decadence and societal dissolution in the era of the Great Depression. This idea of religious allusion as a means of exploring contemporary issues is supported by Steinbeck himself, who explicitly stated in his 1962 Nobel Prize banquet speech that "the ancient mission of the writer has not not changed. It is responsible for exposing our many serious flaws and failures, shining a light on our dark and dangerous dreams in an effort to improve ourselves. (). Thus, Steinbeck uses primarily biblical allusions to explore the devaluation of virtue and morality during the Depression era. Steinbeck frequently alludes to the Christ archetype in Of Mice and Men, with the clearest references being those contained in the character George. In fact, by comparison, George's story is entirely consistent with the biblical account of Christ. For example, as he was dying, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (New International Version, Luke 33:34), absolving those who crucified him. Similarly, George says to Lennie as he is about to shoot him, “No, Lennie. I'm not angry, I've never been angry, and I'm not angry now. That's one thing I want you to know. (Steinbeck 101), thus finally forgiving Lennie for everything he had done, even forcing George to shoot him and destroy their dream. From a critical point of view, this allusion to the Christ archetype is followed by social and moral communication...... middle of article ...... ideas and ideas, however , are not a simple regurgitation of Judeo-Christian values and mores, but rather a powerful commentary on the period following the Great Depression which saw the collapse of traditional social structures in the face of economic hardship. Specifically, through the character of George, his relationship with Lennie, and the salient allusions to Christ, Steinbeck reevaluates classic ideas of brotherhood and sacrifice and notes how these ideals have become undervalued in the age of mice and men. Additionally, Steinbeck's allusions to heaven through the rabbit's dream are a literary manifestation of his belief in the power of hope and compassion in a cruel world. Thus, Of Mice and Men, built on its web of biblical allusions, is ultimately both a celebration of "valor in defeat" () and a critique of the judgments of man's peers..

Essay / Steinbeck's use of biblical allusions in Of Mice and Men Christian and biblical. Keeping in mind Steinbeck's irreligious nature, these allusions in Of Mice and Men can be understood as Steinbeck creating a familiar framework for exploring issues of moral decadence and societal dissolution in the era of the Great Depression. This idea of religious allusion as a means of exploring contemporary issues is supported by Steinbeck himself, who explicitly stated in his 1962 Nobel Prize banquet speech that "the ancient mission of the writer has not not changed. It is responsible for exposing our many serious flaws and failures, shining a light on our dark and dangerous dreams in an effort to improve ourselves. (). Thus, Steinbeck uses primarily biblical allusions to explore the devaluation of virtue and morality during the Depression era. Steinbeck frequently alludes to the Christ archetype in Of Mice and Men, with the clearest references being those contained in the character George. In fact, by comparison, George's story is entirely consistent with the biblical account of Christ. For example, as he was dying, Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (New International Version, Luke 33:34), absolving those who crucified him. Similarly, George says to Lennie as he is about to shoot him, “No, Lennie. I'm not angry, I've never been angry, and I'm not angry now. That's one thing I want you to know. (Steinbeck 101), thus finally forgiving Lennie for everything he had done, even forcing George to shoot him and destroy their dream. From a critical point of view, this allusion to the Christ archetype is followed by social and moral communication...... middle of article ...... ideas and ideas, however , are not a simple regurgitation of Judeo-Christian values and mores, but rather a powerful commentary on the period following the Great Depression which saw the collapse of traditional social structures in the face of economic hardship. Specifically, through the character of George, his relationship with Lennie, and the salient allusions to Christ, Steinbeck reevaluates classic ideas of brotherhood and sacrifice and notes how these ideals have become undervalued in the age of mice and men. Additionally, Steinbeck's allusions to heaven through the rabbit's dream are a literary manifestation of his belief in the power of hope and compassion in a cruel world. Thus, Of Mice and Men, built on its web of biblical allusions, is ultimately both a celebration of "valor in defeat" () and a critique of the judgments of man's peers..

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