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Essay / Violence in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - 526
Violence is inevitable in life, just as it is also inevitable in literature. In literature, violence contributes to the meaning of the work as a whole. In the story Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, violence serves as a construct for the plot. Violence is a major theme in this book and is highlighted physically, emotionally, and psychologically. In the story, violence is used as a means to achieve justice, as well as an outlet for the despair and limited possibilities that define the ranch. Stienbeck, in this story, shows readers that violence is a necessary part of justice. Violence was often used on the ranch to determine justice. The ranch did not follow any typical justice department rules. In many ways, justice was served through violence. George killing Lennie stopped him from causing further damage. Lennie was incapable of conforming to any sort of social norm. Lennie was not capable of comprehending the idea of the consequences of any of his actions. This can be seen when he kills mice or even when he crushes Curly's hand. If Lennie hadn't been shot by G...