Of Mice and Men

Why does the book begin and end at the pond?

Why does steinbeck set the death of lennie in the same location as the opening scene? What does this setting represent to Lennie and George and why is it ironic that Lennie meets his death here? What does that suggest in a larger sense about society?

 

Asked by
Last updated by jill d #170087
Answers 1
Add Yours

The fact that the beginning and the end of the novel are set in the same location signals the full circle of their time together after they leave weed. The two left weed because Lennie got into trouble...... he then followed the instructions George gave him when he got into trouble again. They talked about their dream at the pond...... a dream that was no longer possible, but George couldn't protect him from what would happen due to Curley's wife's death....... so he ended it while they talked about their dream.