Of Mice and Men Blog 05/02/16

     Different settings in literature or real life have different atmosphere. In the book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck has different settings introduced to the reader. One setting that is introduced to the reader is the bunkhouse. The bunkhouse is where all the laborers sleep, eat, and just hang out when not doing work. The book states, "Against the walls were eight bunks, five of them made up with blankets. . . an apple box. . . so that it made two shelves for the personal belongings of the occupant bunk." (page 17) The bunkhouse in the book is very described so the reader understand one setting of the book. The atmosphere of the bunkhouse is like a home, the workers have their personal belongings and sleep in there. It is comfortable like a home would be. The book states, "In the middle of the room stood a big square table littered with playing cards. . ." (page 17) Not only was the bunkhouse where they slept and got ready for a day filled with work, they also hung out there. Playing with each other when they weren't working. Just like in a house, the workers do everything in the bunkhouse the same way.

     Another setting in the book Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is the ranch. In the sections that we have read in Of Mice and Men, the author doesn't really describe the ranch. He doesn't really say much about how it looks or anything. I think that the reason why John Steinbeck didn't really describe the ranch is because it's where George and Lennie work. There really isn't a lot of importance to it unless maybe there is conflict or something between the characters. The atmosphere of the ranch seems be more professional and proper. The reason why the atmosphere is professional and proper is because it is a job, in a job you are professional and proper. You aren't going to talk to the boss with vulgar language or think you are at home by making others do your work. A job is a job, no matter what it is you have to professional and proper.

     I think that the reason why Curley's wife doesn't have a name is because back in the olden days, women weren't treated as equals. People back then believed that the man was the one who had to work and support his family, while his wife stayed home taking care of the children, cleaning, cooking, etc. So, if women didn't do the "hard job" then why should they deserve to be referred by their name. I think that back in those times men didn't get married with women because they were in love with them. I think they just got married so they could have a person who did pretty much everything for them at home and say they had a wife. Some men didn't have respect for them while others might have. The book states, "You seen a girl around here?" (page 37) Curley clearly doesn't have any respect for his wife, because if he did would've known her name. Now a days some men treat women like objects but back then they treated women like maids. Making them pick up after the man, feeding him, cleaning him, and anything else he wanted. Overall I think the message John Steinbeck is trying send is that women back then weren't just treated as equals but also weren't even respected by the opposite gender.