In this book, why does John Steinbeck include info. about Slim's pups?
Is it so that Lennie would get one and then kill it, therefore emphasizing how he doesn't know his own strength?
Often, when an author really goes a long way to describe someone or something in a story or book or play, he/she is trying to sure we are drawn to that person or thing. He wants us to like it/him/her...
If all he had written about was the incident with the puppy, ending in its death (no introduction or full description), we readers probably wouldn't have been so sympathetic to the poor little thing. It would have been less dramatic, in a way.
MHO!!
=)
Characterization:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Character_design
http://web.uvic.ca/wguide/Pages/LTCharacter.html
http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/resources/Literary.Terms.html#Characterization
To understand why John Steinbeck includes information about Slim's pups in the book, we can analyze the literary techniques and themes that Steinbeck employs. The inclusion of the pups serves multiple purposes in the overall narrative of the story.
Firstly, the presence of the pups highlights the theme of companionship and the human need for connection. The pups symbolize the comfort and joy that can be derived from having a loyal companion. This theme is essential in a story like "Of Mice and Men," where most characters experience loneliness and isolation.
Additionally, the pups act as a contrasting element to the character of Lennie. While the pups are delicate and vulnerable, Lennie is portrayed as physically strong but mentally challenged, which creates a dynamic tension within the story. By juxtaposing Lennie's immense strength with the fragile nature of the pups, Steinbeck emphasizes the tragic consequences that can arise from Lennie's lack of awareness of his own power.
However, it is worth noting that Lennie's eventual interaction with the pups does not involve him killing them. Instead, Lennie pets them too forcefully, leading to their accidental death. This incident further serves to underscore Lennie's childlike innocence and his inability to fully understand the consequences of his actions.
To fully comprehend John Steinbeck's intentions in including the information about Slim's pups, it is essential to read the book in its entirety. Analyzing the themes, character development, and the overall narrative structure will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the author's motivations.