Steinbeck creates an interesint opening for the reader by using lots of captivating language. He really describes the opening scene for us which will definetly make the reader want to continue reading. Such as: A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green. The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight before reaching the narrow pool. On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees—willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter’s flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool. On the sandy bank underthe trees the leaves lie deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering if he runs among them. Rabbits come out of the brush to sit on the sand in the evening, and the damp flats are covered with the night tracks of ‘coons, and with the spreadpads of dogs from the ranches, and with the split-wedge tracks of deer that come to drink in the dark.
This definetly makes the reader more interested and gripped by the book which will make them want to read on.
Steinbeck also creates a soothing and calming setting such as: “The water is warm too.” This suggests that the place is inviting, restorative (can make you feel better) and is a source of comfort. It is in contrast to many of the other settings in the book: cold, ruthless and intimidating.
“Green” Connotations of life, vitality and new growth. This is a place that is alive, aplace of hope. Perhaps these feelings are those of George and Lennie? They hope to start a new life and they desire a better future.
By Callum Forbutt 10MK