|
|
|
 
The Cause and the Loss: Comparison Between "Mice and Men" and "Flowers for
Algernon"
In the novel 'Of Mice and Men' (John Stienbeck) a mentally challenged
man, Lenny, loses his innocence when he accidentally breaks a woman's neck.
In the novel 'Flowers for Algernon' (Daniel Keyes) another mentally
challenged man, Charlie, loses his innocence when, through the aid of an
operation, he realizes all his life people were mocking him rather than
being his friends. Although, in both cases innocence was the loss, their
innocence was also the underlying cause of the loss.
Lenny had a soft spot for petting animals and soft things and was
totally oblivious to the fact that he was much to big and strong for such
delicate creatures, and even some humans. "Lenny's fingers fell to stroking
her hair... he stroked harder... "Let go!" she cried... She struggled
violently... and then she was still; for Lenny had broken her neck." (page
91). In innocence of his own strength, Lenny had killed a woman and
suddenly traded his innocence for guilt.
Charlie grew up having a paradise-like world where he supposedly had
many friends. His lifelong ambition, to become smart. When the chance came
he took the offer readily, unprepared for the changes in his life it would
bring. "And what was that Joe and the rest of them were doing. Laughing at
me. And the kids playing hide-and-go-seek were playing tricks on me and
they were laughing at me too... I felt naked" (page 30). All of a sudden
Charlie realized everyone had always laughed at him, not with him, and he
suddenly ashamed/naked. In his innocence he had requested "smartness" and
with it came the loss of his innocence followed by shame then anger.
In both cases Lenny and Charlie were tempted and in their innocence
they accepted. In both cases their innocence was lost. Although their
innocence may have appeared to others as a struggle to both Lenny and
Charlie it was a paradise, and they knew that. Thankfully they both
regained their innocence and in doing so, they both regained their paradise.
.
ADDITIONAL FEATURED ESSAYS
Comparson Of Mouse And Trackba
Computers incorporate various pieces of equipment that allow the user to interact with the software. Since the idea of a
Poetry: The Sky Is Filled With Laughter
The sky is filled with laughter Like a little kid at a fair With streaks of blue and white It paints a canvas of happine
Of Mice And Men: Loneliness And Friendship
Thesis Statement: Steinbeck uses Lennie, George and other workers in the ranch to explore the aspects of loneliness and
Lennies Guilt In Of Mice And M
Lennie's Guilt in Of Mice and Men Lennie Small, the strong but dull-witted farm hand, experienced a psychotic break-down
Of Mice And Men
The book that I have read that has really stayed with me is Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. I really enjoyed reading
|
|
|
|
