Interesting view on structure in 'Of Mice and Men'

A study of Todorov's theory concerning structure held really interesting insights today with Charlie Falla (Year 10).  He sorted the structure and then went on to discuss the idea of equilibrium and balance in the novel. He suggests that there is a disrupted sense of equilibrium at the beginning as we learn throughout the novel that George and Lennie's friendship is unusual especially in view of the context at the time and the idea that men actually lived lonely lives (certainly the men like Lennie and George who worked wherever they could and had no home).

He argued that this is actually the natural state for men at the time: loneliness.  So, Lennie's death which is so heavily foreshadowed by the author is done so because the world is actually out of kilter (out of balance) and needs to return to a balance.  For Lennie and George (Candy and Crooks) to achieve the dream would actually break the natural order of the time.

It's almost as if the world, at the time, was so disrupted from the ideal, which would encompass friendship, companionship and equality that disorder has become the natural state of being.

(Sorry for the blurriness, but you can still make it out: I will be telling him about his spelling of 'meant')

Charlie then went on to identify evidence from the novel to support his view.

Todorov's theory states that most stories demonstrate the following five steps:

1. A state of equilibrium (all is as it should be)
2. A disruption of that order by an event
3. A recognition that the disorder has occurred
4. An attempt to repair the damage of the disruption
5. A return or restoration of the equilibrium

1/ At the opening of the novel Steinbeck describes a perfect setting where hillsides 'run deep and green' and the warm water twinkles 'over yellow sands in the sunlight'.  An ideal that Lennie and George step into.  It is arguably an ideal that stronger men should look after weaker men.

2/ In chapter five Lennie says"'Don't you go yellin'" and shakes Curley's wife until her body flops "like a fish".  He has disrupted the 'order' on the ranch.

3/ George and Candy realise that their order, their plan, is off: the dream is finished and George admits "I think I knowed we'd never do her" almost as though he was always aware of the disorder of their relationship in these times.

4/ George repairs the damage by killing Lennie, interestingly his hand shakes "violently" illustrating the strength of feeling against going through with it.  When Lennie's body falls the the ground he lies on the sand "without quivering" suggesting peace has been restored.

5/ At the end of the novel, as Charlie believes the real equilibrium asserts itself.  George is now truly alone, just like he has been at his solitaire games.  Although Slim takes him away, he takes him for a drink.  This is the only thing that will now comfort him.  It is arguably tragic that Carlson doesn't recognise the loss, saying "What the hell ya suppose is eatin' them two guys", but this is the natural way of things according to Charlie: men don't understand companionship and it doesn't matter to Carlson that Lennie is dead, or in fact for the past few days he has been in his company.

I think I'd argue against the evidence Charlie has used in his last point, but his point definitely holds water!