The Giver and Of Mice and Men Comparative Analysis

This is a part of the review which I submitted for Stylistics.

Of Mice and Men vs. The Giver

John Steinbeck | Lois Lowry

Categorically speaking, these two novels are different in nature since the first could in one way or another be a true account of what had really happened on the period it represents, while the other is utopian turned dystopian and is virtually far from being real. The first is historical in nature and is written rather blatantly while the other is a science fiction formed rather softly as it was intended primarily for young readers. Moreover, the first was set in the past while the other was set in the future. Nevertheless, what is significantly similar to them is that thematically, they share the same notion pertinent to man’s dreams as well as the authors’ outright mentioning of euthanasia that exposed their views over the issue which, in a way could become a subject of controversy in the discussion of the novels. Steinbeck favors mercy-killing when absolutely no choice is left out while Lowry opposes the idea for she value life as a sacred gift no matter how dreadful it may be.

Man’s dreams do fail as man grow and one can never assure himself to be the same person which he looks forward to in his vision of a future life. Steinbeck’s George Milton dreamed of being a boss in his own farm as Lowry’s Jonas dreamed of becoming a citizen who lawfully abide by and implement the norms and laws of the society. But as the story develops, they are both reminded that their massive reliance on their dreams is worthless due to unfolding inevitable circumstances. Both of them became heroes of some sort in the novels’ end – George, having saved his dear old friend from a lifetime of misery and misfortune and Jonas, having saved Gabriel from death in the hands of conceited minds.

Although the two novels evolved in settings of different kind, it can be perceived though that the similarity among them is that the places where the stories supposedly happened both paved the way to the development of the ambitions of the main characters until they withdraw from their aspiration to continue the life which in the beginning have held firm in their thoughts.

The protagonists of the novel share similar character distinction - both being round and developing characters providing the two novels conclude with an ending that is far from what the readers would expect.

Foreshadowing was utilized by the two authors as Steinbeck exposed several hints to his readers regarding the most likely ending of the novel through wittingly constructed symbols, as Lowry did the same in The Giver (e.g. – in the beginning, Jonas witnessed a plane crash in their neighboring community which marked the fall of his lofty ambitions for his society in the end). And the two stories, at the same time have concluded open-endedly. Consequently, the novels were written in the third person limited point of view.

Both share the same dominant mood of optimism and idealism as perceived from George’s and Lennie’s firm belief that one day they could be the boss of their own farm in Of Mice and Men, and Jonas who have been given the task of being the receiver of knowledge have began to realize that the society should reconsider its norms and beliefs in The Giver. Furthermore, they also share the same dominant tone, which is, of course, eagerness to win the battle that life has given them enroute to their lofty aspirations.

The conflict, however, are poles apart. Of Mice and Men is developed around the conflict between man vs. man, while The Giver held firm in man vs. his society.

Regardless of significant similarities and differences of the two authors’ perspectives, their novels have equally testified their writing excellence now etched in the pages of the books they penned which forever will serve as a living proof of man’s many-splendored genius.