This document discusses techniques used in Of Mice and Men related to structure and language. It examines how the narrative voice, use of dialogue and characterization reveal insights into George and Lennie's relationship. Symbolism is used to condense meaning, such as the red dress, Candy's dog and the dead mouse. Descriptive and emotive language conveys ideas and influences opinions of characters. Contrasts in language describing nature versus what happens at the ranch affect views of events. Dialogue also reveals character and ideas. Repetition, sensory details, sentence structure and punctuation are used for specific effects.

1. Analysing writers’
techniques -week 2
Use of Structure and Language

2. Use of Structure
 Structure is the framework for a story – how it is told.
 Consider the following structural techniques and their
intended effect on the reader:
– Narrative voice. Use of dialogue. Consider what is said to
characters and about them. How does this affect our views
of the characters and infer meaning?
– Characterisation The inclusion of other characters in the
story in highlighting George and Lennie’s relationship
– The deliberate contrast between George and Lennie in their
appearance and actions

3. Use of symbolism
 Symbolism is used to condense meaning and ideas
into a memorable image
 Consider the symbolic meaning of:
– The red dress worn by the woman in Weed
– Candy’s dog
– The dead mouse

4. Use of Language
 Descriptive and emotive language is used to convey
ideas indirectly to the reader and influence our views on
characters and ideas.
 Consider the descriptive language used to in relation to
the characters and how this affects our opinion of them
 Examine the contrast in language used to describe Nature
with what happens at the ranch – how does this affect our
view of what happens?
 Examine the language used in the dialogue – how does
this reveal character and ideas?

5. How language influences the reader
 What emotive language is used in the story – what is its
effect? Look particularly at the way Lennie , Crooks and
Curley’s wife are described and how this affects our view of
them
 Compare the language used to describe Lennie in contrast to
George – how does this affect our view of their relationship?

6. Other language techniques to look for:
 Repetition of particular words or similar words to
reinforce meaning
 Sensory description to engage and influence the
reader
 Sentence structure – effect of short sentences
contrasted to longer, flowing sentences
 Use of varied punctuation for effect