Tag: Literary Analysis

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‘Of Mice and Men’ Made Me think about Mental Illness

Introduction

In this blog, I discuss a sticky social issue we are still trying to figure out by delving into John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck drew inspiration from Robert Burns’ poem “To a Mouse” to write this novel—the novel centers on two migrant workers navigating California during the Great Depression. Lennie, one of the workers, is disabled and possesses the mental capacity of a young child.

George and Lennie – generated by NightCafe

Due to its themes of violence and profanity, “Of Mice and Men” has frequently contested the position of the top 100 banned books list in the United States for decades.

I am introducing this book as one of the banned books, but it was once a staple of the high school English curriculum—my husband included. This novel explains many literary tools and discusses social issues. My husband suggested that I read this novel parallel to a poem written by Robert Burns for a deeper understanding.

This novel is profoundly saddening. It moved me to tears when I read this novel the first time; if asked whether I liked it, I’d lean towards no, but I still recognize its significant literary value. Steinbeck tackles the uncomfortable social issues of how society treated mentally challenged people during that era.

Plot Summary of Of Mice and Men

The protagonists, George Milton and Lennie Small, are itinerant farmworkers in California. George is practical and intelligent, while Lennie is physically strong but mentally challenged. Lennie is a good worker but needs to be faster to understand things. Lennie has a penchant for soft and pretty things and loves touching them. When Lennie gets panicked or afraid, he has the habit of grabbing. Unfortunately, Lennie does not understand his strength, so he halts and breaks whatever he holds onto—which has caused trouble in the past.

They struggled to maintain one job for an extended period, possibly due to the Great Depression. Still, Lennie’s problematic behaviors added to the difficulty. George looked after Lennie, nurturing their shared dream of owning a 10-acre farm where Lennie hopes to raise rabbits.

Their dream almost becomes reality through a deal with Candy, another worker who proposes they buy a farm together. However, the plan unravels after Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife in a moment of panic—Curley is the jealous and aggressive farm owner. In a tragic turn, George decides to end Lennie’s life mercifully to spare him from Curley’s wrath, reminiscent of how Candy’s old dog was euthanized.

The History of Criminalizing Mental Illness

In the United States, individuals with behavioral issues were often forcibly placed into Insane Asylums. The asylum was constructed in the late 1800s and became overcrowded by the 1930s (Colorado College, 2016, para. 2-3).

Most patients had not committed any crimes; it was a preemptive measure. Some who had committed crimes may have been sent to asylums. Most of them ended up in a cell on death row. Back then, protections like the 8th Amendment did not apply, and many more individuals could be executed for their perceived crimes, as seen in early 20th-century cases.

I was digging into some of the old cases from the Early 1900s, such as Ed Hager’s 1909 case or Cruz Romero’s 1929 case (Colorado College, 2016, para. 13-14), which are great examples. From what I can see from the record, they should have been admitted to an institution instead of admitted into cells on death row.

No Interpretation of Mental Illness Until the ’50s

Despite evident mental incapacities, diagnoses of sanity persisted until the mid-20th century. For instance, the inability to recognize the insanity in individuals like Ed Hager and Cruz Romero highlights a lack of understanding of mental health issues until significant changes in 1952 (Colorado College, 2016, para. 5). Lennie’s character brings to mind these historical injustices, showing no comprehension of his actions yet dreaming of future rabbits.

Intellectual Disability and Punishment

The U.S. has come a long way. Awareness of mental health issues has improved, and the Constitution now forbids cruel punishments, as stated in our 8th Amendment, “… nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted”, including the execution of those with intellectual disabilities, as affirmed by the Atkins v. Virginia case (Atkins v. Virginia, n.d.).

Killing for Compassion – Did George Commit Mercy Killing or Murder?

The end of the story leads us to a complex question: Did George commit mercy killing or murder? Before delving into this, it’s worth noting the plot of Burns’ “To a Mouse.” The poem discusses life’s unpredictability for both humans and animals, illustrated by the accidental destruction of a mouse’s nest. Humans will remember the tragedy as a bad memory and fear for the future. On the other hand, animals cannot. Just as the mouse is unaware of its bleak future, Lennie is unaware of the imminent threat from Curley and his men, nor are any criminal charges imposed upon him. George’s act can thus be seen as one of compassion, sparing Lennie from a future he couldn’t grasp, much like the speaker’s pity for the mouse.

Since the story ends here, we would not know what happened to George after this incident. He may be charged with the murder of Goerge.

Conclusion

I learned critical moral lessons from this book: Exploring “Of Mice and Men” alongside historical perspectives on mental illness. I realized that anyone can experience unexpected tragedy and the cruelty of fate. Moreover, I learned the importance of having empathy, regardless of our status or significance.

Additionally, exploring the poignant verses of Robert Burns’s “To a Mouse” enriches our understanding of George and Lennie’s tragic story. While the novel leaves us with heavy hearts, it also invites reflection on broader societal issues—mainly how we treat the most vulnerable.

Steinbeck’s narrative is a tale of friendship and shattered dreams and a timeless reminder of the importance of empathy and the complexities surrounding moral decisions. As we close this discussion, let me carry forward the lessons learned from George and Lennie’s journey, recognizing the profound impact of literature in echoing the call for humanity and compassion in our ongoing dialogue about mental health and justice.

Do you want to read Other Posts like this? Click this link. Read These Banned Books

References

Atkins v. Virginia. (n.d.). Oyez. Retrieved July 10, 2024, from https://www.oyez.org/cases/2001/00-8452 Colorado College. (2016, June 28).

Criminalization of Mental Illness. Past, Present, Prison. https://sites.coloradocollege.edu/hip/mentally-ill-and-the-penal-system/

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Exploring the Dystopian Depths of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ by Margaret Atwood

The second book I selected from the banned book list was “The Handmaid’s Tale” by Margaret Atwood. This dystopian novel is set in a fictional future known as the Republic of Gilead. This society in this book, governed by a secretive religious regime adhering to strict Christian doctrines,  incorporates Biblical references, providing a basis for its ideologies. Atwood, who identifies as a Puritan, crafted this ominous world from a blend of personal experiences and historical atrocities, as discussed in her interview on Pod Save America (2023).

Upon first delving into the novel, I was immediately unsettled. The story portrays a totalitarian regime overtaking parts of the United States, stripping away freedoms, particularly from women who are reduced to mere possessions of men. The book describes a highly oppressed society. There is no freedom of expression. People in this society lived with fears. During her Pod Save America interview (2023), Atwood referenced her trips to Eastern Europe in the 1980s, explaining the passive acceptance of oppressive societies as a result of severe consequences for resistance, such as being shot (3:45 – 10:19).

The story’s protagonist, once a university-educated woman with a career and a family, is trapped in a dire situation following a crackdown on women’s rights. Imagine suddenly losing all access to your money and being banned from reading—parallels drawn to Ray Bradbury’s ‘Fahrenheit 451’. After being captured while attempting to flee to Canada, she faces a grim choice: become a handmaid or be condemned to die in colonies, a type of concentration camp. Upon choosing the former, she loses her identity and is renamed Offred, signifying her possession by a man named Fred. Her primary role is to become a concubine for a couple who could not have a child – this mirrors an ancient practice referenced in the Bible, where women like Rachel and Leah used their maids as surrogates (Genesis 29-30, 35). According to Barasso (2022, October 5), this type of marriage arrangement existed in ancient Mesopotamian marriage contracts.

The narrative explores the concept of Concubinage. The idea of the Concubinage system has been introduced previously. In our history, Concubinage was particularly prevalent in historical Asia such as Japan and China. They considered this type of arrangement to be less risky because children of concubines were often deemed illegitimate and devoid of inheritance rights unless explicitly permitted by the father (King’s College History Department, n.d.).

As the story progresses, we experience the harsh realities of Gilead through Offred’s perspective, which is marked by her incredible resilience and determination to survive. She encounters others who oppose the regime, forming risky alliances and emotional bonds, further complicating her precarious existence.

The novel’s climax remains ambiguous as Offred is taken away by the secret police, known as the Eyes, with only the reassurances of Nick, a sympathetic character, to suggest her removal might be part of a resistance effort known as May Day.

Atwood skillfully unfolds the narrative, allowing the reader to gradually comprehend Gilead’s oppressive nature through Offred’s descriptions and observations, such as “the shatterproof windows” of her bedroom, hinting at the extremes taken to prevent escaping through the last result of suicide. I found this writing style to be a clever choice by the author, as the story kept us in suspense.

The display of executed dissenters, stringent control measures, and pervasive surveillance echo the chilling atmospheres of other dystopian works like George Orwell’s “1984” and Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451”. The echoes of totalitarian regimes from history, such as the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, which arose from dire social conditions in Russia, provide a somber reminder of how quickly societies can deteriorate under certain pressures (History, n.d.).

Atwood talks about how tough times can make people more open to religious and spiritual beliefs (Pod Save America, 2022). She points out that religious ideas feel more meaningful and powerful when people struggle. She also notes that many of us hold some form of religious or spiritual beliefs (10:45 – 15:52). According to surveys from the Pew Research Center, 88% of Americans believe in a god or some other higher power (Kallo, 2023). These beliefs could more easily influence people in difficult times.

Living in the United States, we’re lucky to have the First Amendment protect our freedoms. Yet, “The Handmaid’s Tale” makes us think about how fragile these rights can be during tough times, like during pandemics or economic troubles. It’s easy for politicians to use our fear and anger for their benefit. This book highlights how important it is for us to stay alert and maintain a careful balance—protecting our freedoms while also respecting the rights of others.

The Handmaid’s Tale” is more than just a novel; it is a profound commentary on societal dynamics, personal agency, and the importance of guarding our liberties against potential encroachments. It serves as a stark warning and a compelling narrative that challenges readers to remain aware of how quickly the world can change, urging them to cherish and defend their freedoms diligently.

References

Barasso, M. (2022, October 5). Rachel and Leah in the Bible. Biblical Archaeology Society. https://www.biblicalarchaeology.org/daily/people-cultures-in-the-bible/people-in-the-bible/rachel-and-leah-in-the-bible/

History. (n.d.). Post-war Economies (Russian Empire) | International Encyclopedia of the First World War (WW1). Retrieved June 12, 2024, from https://encyclopedia.1914-1918-online.net/article/post-war_economies_russian_empire

Kallo, P. T., Justin Nortey and Asta. (2023, December 7). 2. Spiritual beliefs. Pew Research Center. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2023/12/07/spiritual-beliefs/

King’s College History Department. (n.d.).Concubinage in Asia. Retrieved June 13, 2024, from https://departments.kings.edu/womens_history/concubin.html

Pod Save America (2023). Margaret Atwood on the Rise of Real World Authoritarians | Offline With Jon Favreau. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta3FaoKgHtA

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My First Project in Literary Analysis: The Masque of the Red Death

It was not so long ago when I started reading fiction books. I have hardly read any fictions books for the last 15 years because I thought I would learn more from non-fiction books. The one book changed my mind 180 degrees. Last Christmas, I read “How to Read Literature Like a Professor Revised: A Lively and Entertaining Guide to Reading Between the Lines” by Thomas Foster. Foster (2014) explained that literary analysis is like pattern recognition. It sounded interesting. So, I tried literary analysis on my own. 

For my first literary analysis project, I selected a chilling story from Edgar Allan Poe, the masque of the red death. I liked his writing style because it reminds me of Ryunosuke Akutagawa, a Japanese author known for “Rashomon.” Summer in Tennessee is hot. So, a chilling story would be nice to ease this heat. It is a six-page short story, yet it contains Poe’s tactical usages of Symbolism and Metaphors.

The Plot Summary

The fatal outbreak, the “Red Death,” ravaged the country. The plague was so deadly that the population of the country dropped nearly by half. The horrible pandemic caused a patient sharp pain, sudden dizziness, and profuse bleeding from pores. The scarlet stains appear on the patient’s body – especially on the face, which scared away the sympathetic fellow men.

Due to the outbreak, Prince Prospero secluded himself from the pandemic in the abbey with a thousand knights and their spouses to continue to live a lavish lifestyle until the outbreak was over. An iron gate, welded from weapons the courtiers brought, should protect prince Prospero and his courtier from the red death. There were enough supplies. All they needed to do is to pass the time with lavish parties until the outbreak was over.

At the 5th or 6th month of the seclusion, the prince and his friends held a masked ball held in seven imperial suites. The apartments were so irregularly arranged that people could see only one apartment at a time. There were sharp turns every twenty or thirty yards, and each turn created a novel effect. Each room was coordinated with color and located in the following order: blue, purple, green, orange, white, violet, and finally, black. All rooms were coordinated with the decoration of the chamber, except for the last black one. The room had black velvet tapestries and black carpet; however, the windows’ color failed to match the decorations. The windows were scarlet that resembled a deep blood color. No one except a few entered the room during the party.

There was a giant clock made from ebony in the black chamber, which pendulum swung with a dull, heavy, and monotonous clang. The clock strikes a chime each hour, which interrupts people from whatever joy they were experiencing. Then, people go back partying after the chime is over.

Around midnight, guests started noticing a masked individual wearing a dark, blood-splattered robe, resembling a corpse from the red death. The insulted prince demanded the identity of this stranger. The guests were too scared to stop this intruder. This nameless intruder made his way from the blue room, the purple, the green, the orange, the white, and the violet room without interruption. Finally, the prince drew his dagger and charged toward this stranger. As the stranger faced the prince, the prince fell dead with a sharp cry. The people surged into a 7th chamber and pulled the mask and robe from the stranger. There was nothing underneath. The guests at the party fell sick. The story ended with the sentence, “Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all.

Analysis

Poe’s novels are all poetic. All sections of the novel are equally essential to the novel, and they are entangled in a complex manner to create such a beautiful novel. There would be many symbolic language and metaphors. I started highlighting any suspected symbols and metaphors and started to analyze them.

Instinctively, I thought the seven imperial suites and the structure of the halls represent something; however, I did not know what they meant. The key was the order of the color of the rooms – blue, purple, green, orange, white, violet, and black. The black room seemed a key because it was different from other rooms. This was the room people avoided – were people afraid to step into the room? When I was talking to my husband, he mentioned that blue is often associated with birth. So, we hypothesized that rooms representing the stage of life: blue as the birth, purple as a youth, green as adolescence, orange as adulthood, white as old, violet as illness, then black as death.

If colored rooms were representing stages of life, the structure of the house would make sense. The hallways to each room have sharp turns every 20 or 30 feet between the rooms. The views were so limited that people could see one room at a time. Each turn, people could feel a novel effect. The structures of the hallways represent the way through each life stage.

The gigantic ebony clock that in the black room represents the time of people’s life. The clock is ticking equally to everyone until you would die. The clock kept reminding all people in the spaces that their time would eventually come.

The story reached a climax when the masked stranger made his appearance in the easternmost room, the blue room – representing birth. It wore the costume of the red death. Since people feared his presence, it moved toward the black rooms uninterrupted until prince Prospero charged at it with a dagger.

Initially, I thought Prince Prospero represented Poe himself. Although, I could not understand why Poe selected this name for the prince in this story. This is the name of a character from The Tempest by William Shakespeare. Prospero in The Tempest won. Instead of winning, Prince Prospero in Poe’s novel charged into the masked stranger and died. The tempest is a carefully developed drama portraying the ultimate triumph of ethical control over passion, and Prospero represents with “Noble Reason” (Phillips, 1964, P147). Prospero was an analogy in Poe’s novel representing reasoning or control. The masked individual represents fatal illness. Now, I think the prince Prospero represents Poe’s ability to control, which was destroyed by the plague, his wife’s consumption. Later, Poe wrote to his friend, George W. Eveleth, explaining his mental state.

Each time I felt all the agonies of her death — and at each accession of the disorder I loved her more dearly & clung to her life with more desperate pertinacity. But I am constitutionally sensitive — nervous in a very unusual degree. I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity. During these fits of absolute unconsciousness I drank, God only knows how often or how much. As a matter of course, my enemies referred the insanity to the drink rather than the drink to the insanity. I had indeed, nearly abandoned all hope of a permanent cure when I found one in the death of my wife.

Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore—Works—Letters—E. A. Poe to G. W. Eveleth (January 4, 1848). (n.d.).

Pulmonary tuberculosis claimed many lives in the United States. In the 1800s, as many as one in seven Americans (Fay, April 1, 2020, para 7-8). Poe himself lost many loved one from the illness. Virginia, his beloved wife, was not excluded. In January 1942, Poe’s wife, Virginia, was diagnosed with Pulmonary tuberculosis. Despite the protection (iron gate) he put against the illness. Pulmonary tuberculosis slowly kills people. How painful it must have been for Poe to watch his wife waste away from such an illness. As his wife was getting sicker, he was more drawn to liquor. Despite the wealthy household or “iron gate,” Poe explained nothing could protect your loved one from illness or death. To me, this story represents the inescapable nature of death and the futility of trying to keep it at bay. I sensed Poe’s Agony and sorrow which was expressed so beautifully with this short novel that it took my breath away.

Lessons Learned

This was the first time I did Literary Analysis. It took me longer than planned because I had to research the author to understand the story better. I still feel that I needed to improve on the techniques in analyzing metaphors. I will be planning to read on Literary analysis in the future. I felt fifteen years of not reading any fiction hurting me somehow as I could not remember the novels or poems I should be compared with. I am surprised at finding pleasure in the process of literary analysis. Not only I learned more about Poe, but I also stepped into a new field of gaining skills in analyzing literature. I will be more likely to do more literary analysis in the future.

References

Edgar Allan Poe. (1842). The Masque of the Red Death. [Kindle Edition]. A public Domain Book.

Edgar Allan Poe Society of Baltimore—Works—Letters—E. A. Poe to G. W. Eveleth (January 4, 1848). (n.d.). Retrieved July 9, 2021, from https://www.eapoe.org/works/letters/p4801040.htm

Fay, Glenn J. (Apr 1, 2020). The White Plague: Tuberculosis in Early America.https://medium.com/age-of-awareness/the-white-plague-tuberculosis-in-early-america-954f47e9675f

Foster, T., (2014). How to Read Literature Like a Professor. [Kindle Edition]. Harper Perennial.

Phillips, J. E. (1964). The Tempest and the Renaissance Idea of Man. Shakespeare Quarterly, 15(2), 147–159. https://doi.org/10.2307/2867886