我以前給這個原著小說寫的英文影評。。

************這篇影評可能有雷************

Most of us live in a narrow world limited by our experiences and outlook on life, but by reading these great books, we are taken to totally different worlds where we can explore different lives and social mores and in so doing, expand our horizons. Classic literature must be passed down from generation to generation as the greatest treasure of human wisdom and intelligence.
One such classic novel is Of Mice and Men, written by an outstanding American novelist, John Steinbeck.
Set in the 1930s during the great depression era of America, the novel tells a tragic story of dreams, friendship, loneliness and power. Although it was banned when first released due to offensive language, its excellence and values were soon discovered.
As a prominent work in American classic literature, it promotes several important social and moral values that are still relevant in modern society. The novella attracts millions of readers by providing insights into human experience through engaging characterisation as well as use of aesthetic language.
The importance of dreams is one of the most significant themes throughout the whole story. A dream provides the motivation and a goal for people to strive for, just as Victor Hugo once said: 「Nothing’s better than a dream to create a future」. In Of Mice and Men, everyone has a dream. Lennie and George dream of possessing their own house and a couple of acres to 『live off the fatta』 of the land』. Although this is not ever realised, it is what keeps them moving on and wandering the country in search of job opportunities under those unimaginably harsh conditions. The farm they envision represents the possibility of freedom, self-reliance and protection from the cruelties of the world.
 Other ranch men also have their dreams which resemble that of Lennie and George, where they can be independent and live a secure life. Even Curley’s wife, who’s despised by everyone, possesses a dream of running away to be a movie star. Idealistic? Yes. Regrettably, it seems that most of the characters surrendered their dreams in order to survive. Yet having these dreams is one of the ways they combat loneliness and distract themselves from the hopeless reality of their daily lives.
The dreams possessed by all characters shared a common central idea: the chance of a better life, which is deeply rooted in the prototypical American dream: life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Nowadays, there are still countless people like George and Lennie, from different social classes and different places all over the world, who come to the United States with the dream of obtaining a fulfilled life.
In the grim world in Of Mice and Men, friendship and loneliness are accentuated. It is obvious that every character suffers from loneliness. The old Crooks, is discriminated by the colour of his skin and therefore is forced to live on the periphery of the ranch world. The only way he fights his solitude is by reading and hard work. The old and infirm Candy leads an immensely forlorn life especially after his long-time companion, his old dog dies. Curley’s wife acts as a coquette as a way of relieving herself from the boredom of the unsatisfactory marriage. Even though George and Lennie have each other to count on, George is still lonely because he doesn』t have a family while Lennie is disempowered by his mental disability and thus is isolated from the normal world.
Indubitably, everyone needs a friend who is always by their side, supporting and encouraging them in life. In this story, every single character yearns for genuine friendship. Nevertheless, even this simple request is a luxury in this unfriendly world depicted by Steinbeck. George and Lennie’s precious and enduring friendship has overcome countless obstacles by giving them will to move on. Just like they often said: 「Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. With us it ain』t like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us. We don』t have to sit in no bar room blowin』 in our jack jus』 because we got no place else to go. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. But not us.」
In this novella, Steinbeck also explores the different aspects of power and strength. In this predatory world, the rule of survival is laid bare, the strong ones prey on weak ones and touthe weak ones prey on weaker ones. Just like the name of the novel implies, 『mice』 symbolizes vulnerability whereas 『men』 represents power and strength.
The arrogant and ferocious Curley, as the symbol of power and authority easily poses a fatal threat to the weaker ones, represented by Lennie, Curley’s wife and those little animals. Similarly, old Candy and his dog, who are sadly crippled by their debilitating age, act as a harsh reminder of the miserable future of those who have outlived their usefulness. This cruel rule also applies to modern society where power, authority and strength cripple the weak ones and survival is sustained by cutthroat competition between people.
One of the most attractive features of this gripping novella is its exceptional characterisation. Lennie Small is often regarded as the most captivating one, whose naïve and childish character is in stark contrast to the other selfish and conceited characters. The descriptions of Lennie give the readers a sense of gratification as his blissful ignorance and pure innocence seem to remove him from the stir of society.
Another key character, George is a loving and devoted friend who never strays from the purpose of protecting Lennie, although he is sometimes short-tempered and impatient. In a sense, Lennie is more fortunate than George, since Lennie dies with their dream painlessly while George not only has to face the devastating fact that his dream no longer exists, but also has to bear the agony of losing his soul mate. Slim, as one of the most appealing characters, shows outstanding wisdom and sophistication compared to other characters. After witnessing Lennie’s demise, he is the only person who commiserates with Lennie for his loss, knowing how precious their friendship is, while other ignorant ranchmen ask: 「what’s eatin』 them two guys?」
The use of simple language and writing style makes the novel very accessible. The scenes portrayed by the author are vivid and easily reconstructed in the reader’s mind. The story begins with: 「A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green」. This scene is full of hope and peace. Ironically, the story ends in exactly the same location, which has a strong emotional impact on the readers. Furthermore, the use of the authentic diction in the dialogue is quite representative of the labouring class in United States in the 1930s. In short, Steinbeck’s language is straightforward, concise and powerful.
Overall, in the inhospitable world portrayed by Steinbeck where people are incapable of compassion and sympathy, the unfailing friendship between George and Lennie shines and is deeply etched in the readers』 mind. Dreams, though a motivating factor, appear to be a luxury in the characters』 lives. We also accept the dismal fact that a lot of people like the characters in the novel are ruthlessly stripped of their dreams by reality and find their reverie and endeavours are nothing but a mirage. Friendship, loneliness, power, dreams and despair are fully expressed and interpreted in this masterpiece of John Steinbeck.   舉報