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Someone once wisely said, “all literature shows us the power of emotion. It is emotion, not reason, that motivates character in literature.” This quote hints at the idea that characters in stories are moved not by logic but by the profound force of emotion. Let's explore this concept through the novels "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck and "All Quiet on the Western Front" by Erich Maria Remarque. We'll dig into literary elements like characterization and conflict to see if emotions truly steer the ship in these narratives.
In "Of Mice and Men," Steinbeck crafts characters that grapple with intense emotions against the harsh backdrop of the 1900s depression.
George and Lenny, along with other laborers, endure backbreaking work for meager returns, thrusting them into emotional turmoil. George's self-sacrifice, bearing guilt and loneliness for Lenny's sake, showcases the powerful sway of emotions. Characters like Curley and Lenny act out emotionally without a clear cause, revealing inner struggles.
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Whether it's Curley's aggression or Lenny's unintended destructive acts, each character is a testament to the influence of deep emotions in the pursuit of their desires.
Steinbeck enhances the emotion-centric theme by employing conflict as a validating tool. Lenny's accidental killing of Curley's wife, driven by the emotional desire for softness, sparks a Man vs. Man conflict. George's dreams of owning a farm become unrealistic due to Lenny, creating conflicts with society (Man vs. Society) and internal conflicts within George himself (Man vs.
Self). These struggles are rooted in the characters' tumultuous emotions, illustrating how conflicting desires and emotional turmoil shape their journeys.
Turning to Remarque's "All Quiet on the Western Front," the emotion-driven interpretation gains further support through characterization. Corporal Himmelstoss, a power-hungry training officer, seeks authority to fulfill emotional needs. In the chaos of war, Paul reacts emotionally by stabbing an enemy soldier, underscoring the raw impact of emotions. Kemmerich's death, marked by a desperate cry for life, illustrates the deep connection between emotions and the will to survive. Remarque's use of characterization vividly paints characters propelled by their emotional compass.
Remarque further substantiates the emotion-centric theme by using conflict as a magnifying lens. The Lost Generation, fighting a war they deem wrong for the world, faces a profound Man vs. Society conflict. The soldiers, propelled purely by emotion and devoid of reason, engage in a war they despise, portraying the Man vs. Self conflict. Paul's attempt to comfort Kemmerich's mother with false reassurances highlights the internal turmoil of the characters (Man vs. Self). All conflicts within the narrative are intricately woven with emotions, illustrating the characters' unyielding pursuit of the essentials required for survival—food and energy.
In wrapping up, our exploration of "Of Mice and Men" and "All Quiet on the Western Front" underscores a consistent theme—literature indeed showcases the supremacy of emotions over reason in steering characters. A careful analysis of characterization and conflict in these novels provides robust evidence for the validity of this interpretation. Characters, driven by profound emotions, navigate the complexities of their worlds in pursuit of desires and survival. Importantly, the paths to success for these characters are unique, reflecting individual emotional experiences. Through these literary elements, we gain a profound understanding of how emotions intricately shape the characters' journeys, breathing life into the pages of literature.
The Heart of Literature: Unpacking Emotion's Role. (2016, Sep 27). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/of-mice-and-men-critical-analysis-essay
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