Tension And Atmosphere In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Steinbeck uses different techniques to build up tension and atmosphere in the fight scene of ‘Of Mice And Men’. These methods include powerful images, vivid choice of words and speed of events. Personally, I think the most effective method is the contrast between Lennie’s gentleness and power. I think Steinbeck achieves the full potential effect with this technique, and it really adds to the images in the readers mind.

John Steinbeck uses violence in speech to build up tension. Curley says “Come on ya big bastard. Get on your feet. No big son-of-a-bitch is gonna laugh at me. I’ll show you who’s yella”. This quotation shows the obscene language used in the fight scene, and how it builds up atmosphere. Curley speaks in an aggressive manner