Structural Divisions – of Mice and Men

It may not be obvious at first, but all the stories are structured in several ways and with intent. In other words, this is called narrative structure and this can be described as the structural framework that underlies the order and manner in which a narrative is presented to a reader. Plot is what happens in a story, and structure is the order in which the novel presents itself, and in our “Of Mice and Men,” the structure has taken the shape of a circle, both balanced and thoughtful. They are several ways the John Steinbeck has approached to developing the story plot however the change in setting is one structural division that clearly shifts the locale.

So one asks, what is setting? Setting foreshadows the character’s state of mind, conflict; it also contributes to noticeable patterns in the story. In Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, there are several settings in the story which further enhance the plot and each of the settings are in the form of a circle as the opening scene falls in the meadow which leads to the bunk house then to the barn and then back to the meadow. Another interesting feature of the novel is that each chapter also has a circular motion, as each chapter starts with a sparse description of the setting, much like a playwright would do at the beginning of a play scene. The first and last scenes have descriptions of nature and set the atmosphere for action and in between are the entrances and exits of characters. The advancement of the shifts in each of the settings clearly parallels the development and enhancement of the plot/story and the changes in feelings and attitude that the characters encounter. The begging of the story primarily takes place Steinbeck calls the “Meadows.” A serene beautiful place with rivers and mountains in the distance dotted with crisp golden leaves (pg 1). This is where the story unfolds and also comes to a resolution in the end. From here you can sense the time of year it is and it’s clear that it is fall as the...