A Psychological Analysis of Of Mice and Men Essay

The psychological approach views literature through the lens of psychology. There are multiple approaches to the psychological aspect of literature but the two most recognized are the Freudian and Jungian approach. The best approach to use when critically analyzing the novel Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, is the Jungian approach. Because the novel’s main theme is a struggle with the idea of â€Å"self†, using this approach allows the reader to understand the main character, its influences, and ultimately his actions. The Jungian approach was brought about by Carl Jung. He believed in the concept of individuation. This is the process of discovering what makes a person different form everyone else. The Jungian approach looks at†¦show more content†¦They had to change from the typical agricultural generation into the new age industrial generation. This is what the historical approach focuses on. In this case, the two men can also be viewed as one pers on growing from another. However, the psychological approach helps one understand how these relationships play a part in the conclusion of the novel. The persona, or a mans social personality, is represented through the main character—George. George is viewed by the reader as short-tempered, arrogant, and quick-witted. The novel starts off by conveying to the reader the relationship in which they have. George states â€Å"if I was alone I could live so easy. I could go get a job an’ work, an’ no trouble† (Steinbeck 10). George is obviously not obligated to take care after another man but he chooses to do so. Throughout the novel, he complains but he never drifts from his main goal which is protecting Lennie. He even goes to the extent of lying about their relationship when it is questioned. Knowing that they are not related, he lies and calls Lennie his cousin. â€Å"He’s my†¦cousin. I told his old lady I’d take care of him. He got kic ked in the head by a horse when he was a kid. He’s awright. Just ain’t bright. But he can do anything you tell him† (Steinbeck 21). This emphasizes the idea of Jung’s persona and the fact that it is a compromise between an individual and the society in which one wantsShow MoreRelatedAnimal Testing Should Not Be Banned1578 Words   |  7 Pagesno such limit to what happens to animals while being tested in the laboratory. The Animal Welfare Act (AWA) is the only federal law that grants a small amount of protection for animals in laboratories. The AWA does not account for the lives of rats, mice, and birds, which are accounted for at least 90 percent of animals in testing. There is no animal protection to animals regarding the pain and stress induced, they experience physical and mental suffering from the â€Å"confinement, fear and emotional distressRead MoreAging And Its Effects On The Aging1360 Words   |  6 Pagessenescence or the population of a species, known as population ageing. This process primarily affects human beings and fungi. 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