How does Steinbeck create mood and atmosphere in section 6
The description of the setting in this chapter is very different from the previous one, but also very similar in other ways. It is different because the mood is generally more threatening and ominous, but also because our vision of the characters in it is different, and we have fears, hopes and general suspense coming from the previous chapters, while in the first description it was a completely new setting. It is much more ominous because small bits of the description make a fundamental difference. For example, there is the snake gliding smoothly on the pool surface, only to be eaten by a silent heron. There is also the presence of wings, which puts everything in motion and can be quite creepy sometimes at night when suddenly it goes away. There is an uneasy stillness and Lennie is also much more preoccupied and sad. This chapter is also very similar to the first however, because it is in the same location, at the same time (sunset), and with the same characters. Even the same words are repeated and the dream is a central point of discussion.
"The deep green pool of the Salinas River was still in the late afternoon. Already the sun had left the valley to go climbing up the slopes of the Gabilan mountains, and the hilltops were rosy in the sun. But by the pool among the mottled sycamores, a pleasant shade had fallen."
Lennie has two different visions in the final scene: one of his aunt scolding him, and one of a giant rabbit telling him off. They reveal exactly what Lennie is thinking and feeling at that precise moment. He is in fact feeling great guilt, but also astonishment and frustration. It is also the most important insight we have on how Lennie thinks, feels, and therefore acts. I find it is almost a final insight into Lennie's mind and a further confirmation of his childishness, innocence and simple-mindedness. The two visions are really manifestations of Lennie's conscience reprimanding him.
Aunt Clara, the first vision, is telling him that he will
"The deep green pool of the Salinas River was still in the late afternoon. Already the sun had left the valley to go climbing up the slopes of the Gabilan mountains, and the hilltops were rosy in the sun. But by the pool among the mottled sycamores, a pleasant shade had fallen."
Lennie has two different visions in the final scene: one of his aunt scolding him, and one of a giant rabbit telling him off. They reveal exactly what Lennie is thinking and feeling at that precise moment. He is in fact feeling great guilt, but also astonishment and frustration. It is also the most important insight we have on how Lennie thinks, feels, and therefore acts. I find it is almost a final insight into Lennie's mind and a further confirmation of his childishness, innocence and simple-mindedness. The two visions are really manifestations of Lennie's conscience reprimanding him.
Aunt Clara, the first vision, is telling him that he will