When Steinbeck first wrote this novel, he titled it "Something That Happened." Then, he remembered Robert Burn's poem "To a Mouse," from which he took the title. Which is the better title for this work? Why? (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Sunday, April 3, 2011.)
Friday, April 1, 2011
By Any Other Name?
When Steinbeck first wrote this novel, he titled it "Something That Happened." Then, he remembered Robert Burn's poem "To a Mouse," from which he took the title. Which is the better title for this work? Why? (The deadline to post a response to this blog question is midnight Sunday, April 3, 2011.)
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8 comments:
I think the title Of Mice and Men is much better for this novel. In contrast to the other option, this title possesses a strong symbolic meaning that represents more than just the name of the book. "Something That Happened" is very vague, and it does not represent this story to a full potential. The interaction between Lennie and mice goes much deeper into the novel in that he causes harm to other beings just as he did to the mice he had. "Of Mice and Men truly represents this book very well.
I too believe that 'Of Mice and Men' is better for the novel. 'Something That Happened' does not give any insight to the story nor fit the actual story itself in meaning. 'Of Mice and Men' reflects upon how these two friends' dreams did not work out the way they planned, as didn't the plans of the mouse whose home was tilled by the farmer in 'To a Mouse'. Also, the story starts out with Lennie holding and eventually killing each mouse he gets his hands on. That just seemed to be a cool little way the title 'Of Mice and Men' fit the story. John Steinbeck was very wise in changing the title and sticking with it. One of my favorite stories ever.
Personally, I believe that the title 'Of Mice and Men' is a far better choice.The name 'something that happened' is too everyday and lacks uniqueness. On the other hand, 'Of Mice and Men', although obscure in its origin, is profound enough and distinctive enough to help make this a well-recognized American novel.Also, the title is interesting in the way that it refers to Lennie's passion for soft rodentia. By far, 'Of Mice and Men' is the better choice.
Going along with what the others had said, 'Something That Happened' is an extremely vague and unspecific title. 'Of Mice and Men' is a much better title, as it ties in with the story. The novel begins with Lennie holding a dead mouse, and the two guys symbolize the men. I feel it's more descriptive overall.
I believe that John Steinbeck made the correct choice in chosing a name for the book. The title "Of Mice and Men" allows symbolism to tie the entire novel together. If he had used the name "Something that Happened" it could have been interpreted as the meaning each and every time something happened in the book, whether it be what happened in weed or Curley's wife's death. In conclusion I believe that "Of Mice and Men is a better name because it shows definition and meaning before the book is even read. It does this because of it's relation to the poem "To a Mouse" which allows the theme to be known straight from the beginning.
I agree with my classmates, "Of Mice and Men" is a much better title. In the beginning of the book, Lennie is holding a mouse, and also in the book, Steinbeck shows many different types of men. The title that the book was eventually given is much better than "Something That Happened". "Of Mice and Men" conveys the theme best.
Just because I love to be repetitive, I also agree with my classmates that Steinbeck chose the right title for his novel. "Something That Happened" tells the person picking up his book absolutely nothing. The line from Burn's poem fits his novel perfectly actually. "The best laid plans of mice and men...often go awry", depicts the theme exactly. Lennie and George had planned to have a better life and in full wanted to capture a little piece of the American Dream. In the end, their plan did indeed go awry and Lennie killing the mice so often foreshadowed what would happen on the ranch and crush thier dream. Clearly, "Of Mice and Men" is the best fit title for this heart warming and wrenching novel.
In accordance with the popular consensus, I also believe that Steinbeck chose the appropriate name for his novel. The title "Of Mice and Men" not only allows insight into the book, but it also helps to convey the theme because the story alludes to the poem in many ways. On the other hand, "Something That Happened" is extremely vague and cursory. The final title Steinbeck chose relates perfectly to the novel.
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