Comparative Analysis: Of Mice and Men Book vs Film Adaptation

This essay delves into a comparative analysis of John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men', juxtaposing the novel with its film adaptation. The essay highlights the advantages of the film's visual storytelling, emphasizing how the movie effectively conveys the emotional depth and complex themes of the book. It explores key scenes, such as Lennie's accidental killing of the puppy and Curley's wife, illustrating how the visual medium enhances the audience's understanding of the characters' psychological states, especially Lennie's mental instability. The essay examines the emotional impact of the film's portrayal of these events, including George's difficult decision at the end. By comparing the book and film, the analysis underscores how the movie adaptation facilitates a deeper understanding of the story's themes and characters, making it more accessible and emotionally resonant for viewers. References from the provided assignment have been included to support the arguments made in the essay.

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English
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Author Note

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Of Mice and Men is a novel which is written by John Steinback and published in 1937.
The novel was also later on adapted into films. The protagonists of the novel are George Milton
and Lennie Small who went in search of jobs from a place to another during the period of Great
Depression. Of Mice and Men is one of the most read books in the American school curricula. It
is also a very famous book depicting the time of Great Depression in America.
The movie adaptation of the book is more relatable and likable because of the visual
elements in the film. The visual representation of the book has made the experience of
connecting with the story more emotional. The story is easier to grasp as the events are unfolded
in the movie which one can understand clearly as they see it. Incidents such as the death of the
puppy was very emotional to watch when Lennie ended up killing the dog when he was stroking
it (MUSAFA’AT). When they drank water from the pond, which seems like an act of cleansing
and tranquility.
The movie adaptation of the novel is more moving when Lennie is seen committing the
act of killing Curly’s wife accidentally, as he does not realize the amount of strength he was
putting. The death of Lennie was also heartbreaking as George does the merciful act realizing
that there could be a lynch mob.
The movie is easier to watch and understand as compared to reading the book. The
psychological state of mind of Lennie is easier to understand as his mental instability makes him
childish and unreasonable sometimes (Trupej). He is dependent on Lennie as he makes him
understand even the simplest instructions repeatedly. The extend of his mental state can be
understood by the two deaths, one of the puppy and another is Curly’s wife.

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Therefore, the movie adaptation is easier to understand due to the visual representations
as the audience can see and relate to the events and understand the emotional tensions in the
story which have been presented ironically and bear significance.

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References
MUSAFA’AT, K. H. A. B. I. B. "THE STRUGGLE OF AMERICAN MINORITIES DURING
GREAT DEPRESSION IN JOHN STEINBECK’S OF MICE AND MEN." Jurnal Ilmiah
Mahasiswa FIB 4.6 (2014).
Trupej, Janko. "The ‘Negro’in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men: A Comparison of Socialist
and Post-Socialist Strategies for Translating Racial Elements." ELOPE: English Language
Overseas Perspectives and Enquiries 12.1 (2015): 119-133.