Saturday, March 15, 2014

What words or images help to develop the setting in the first two paragraphs of Of Mice and Men?

Steinbeck's opening two paragraphs of the novella Of Mice and Men describe an oasis setting on the bank of the Salinas River. Steinbeck illustrates a peaceful setting by describing a sandy beach near a deep watering hole located in the valley near the Gabilan Mountains. The two paragraphs include images of rabbits relaxing in the shade during the day while dogs and deer drink from the clear blue water at night. Images of healthy willows and sycamores surrounding the sandy bank create an atmosphere similar to paradise. The reader also imagines children jumping into the water and men refreshing themselves after long, strenuous journeys. Steinbeck uses adjectives such as "golden" and "green" to describe the natural setting. These colors are associated with nature and majesty. In the first two paragraphs, Steinbeck creates the image of a peaceful oasis where both animals and humans find tranquility.

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Thomas Jefferson's election in 1800 is sometimes called the Revolution of 1800. Why could it be described in this way?

Thomas Jefferson’s election in 1800 can be called the “Revolution of 1800” because it was the first time in America’s short history that pow...