Of Mice and Men Argumentative Essay
Essay Prompt: John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, has a controversial history. It has been repeatedly banned by school boards. Why might this book have been banned? Is such an action justified? In a five-paragraph essay, take a position for or against banning this novel. Use your three body paragraphs to develop each of three reasons for or against banning the novel.
The Lost Portion of Human Society Right from the beginning of human civilization, books had become the vital flame that ignited many great achievements. John Steinbeck, one of the greatest writers in the American history who won the 1962 Nobel Prize, understood the desperate need of reading of the migrant workers, so he wrote Of Mice and Men in 1937 with the aspiration to tell the world about American society during the Great Depression. After being published, Of Mice and Men soon became a controversial book, and school boards had banned it, since the book contained much profanity, bullying, prostitution, and racism. Nevertheless, Of Mice and Men accurately reflected the Great Depression society in ways that people should read and observe, rather than banning it. One of the main reason supporting the value of the novel is that it delivered powerful themes and symbols. Lennie, being mentally disable but possessing monstrous strength, constantly falls into troubles. George, a small, smart man who travels with and takes care of Lennie, has to save him from danger. Not many men, when living in dire situations, would sacrifice their jobs or even their live to protect their companion. Yet love and friendship fill George with energy and hope to breach through any obstacles the two confront on their way. Moreover, George usually tells Lennie about their little cozy place, where they would build a little shack, raise livestock, grow trees after they finish their one-month shift. Lennie would then be able to tend rabbits on his own without fear of danger. This is one of the most compelling symbols in
The Lost Portion of Human Society Right from the beginning of human civilization, books had become the vital flame that ignited many great achievements. John Steinbeck, one of the greatest writers in the American history who won the 1962 Nobel Prize, understood the desperate need of reading of the migrant workers, so he wrote Of Mice and Men in 1937 with the aspiration to tell the world about American society during the Great Depression. After being published, Of Mice and Men soon became a controversial book, and school boards had banned it, since the book contained much profanity, bullying, prostitution, and racism. Nevertheless, Of Mice and Men accurately reflected the Great Depression society in ways that people should read and observe, rather than banning it. One of the main reason supporting the value of the novel is that it delivered powerful themes and symbols. Lennie, being mentally disable but possessing monstrous strength, constantly falls into troubles. George, a small, smart man who travels with and takes care of Lennie, has to save him from danger. Not many men, when living in dire situations, would sacrifice their jobs or even their live to protect their companion. Yet love and friendship fill George with energy and hope to breach through any obstacles the two confront on their way. Moreover, George usually tells Lennie about their little cozy place, where they would build a little shack, raise livestock, grow trees after they finish their one-month shift. Lennie would then be able to tend rabbits on his own without fear of danger. This is one of the most compelling symbols in
Cited: "Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck." Themes, Motifs, and Symbols (2013): n.pag. Sparknotes. Web. 13 Dec 2013. . Daniel, Corey. "‘Of Mice and Men:’ Steinbeck’s controversial banned book for over 50 years." examiner (July 11, 2012): n.pag. Web. 13 Dec 2013. . "FIRST AMENDMENT: AN OVERVIEW." Cornell University Law School (August 19, 2010): n.pag. Web. 13 Dec 2013. . "The Freedom to Read Statement." American Library Association Document ID: aaac95d4- 2988-0024-6573-10a5ce6b21b2. July 26, 2006. n.pag. Web. 13 Dec 2013. .