earticle

영어

This paper aims to investigate the structural causality of violence in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. As a preceding study, the theory of Rene Girard is taken into consideration, which suggests the origin of human violence and the scapegoat principle, in order to discuss in detail the operational principle of psychological violence. The main characters, George and Lennie would be regarded as doubles mimicking each other’s desires in that they both hope to possess a piece of land that they can cultivate. Although they symbolize the double, the disagreement between their desires demands the unavoidable sacrifice of one or the other. George chooses to face reality and to be a rebellious hero who fights against the absurdity by removing Lennie who pursues only an instinctual desire, and precipitates their dreams into vain fancy. Furthermore, because Lennie’s repeated mistakes and unrealistic desires drive their community into a crisis, his sacrifice is a preventive measure that stops a greater violence which may happen within the society. Steinbeck agrees with the effect generated by the scapegoat theory of Girard. However, he also claims that the emotion of absurdity toward social violence must be overcome through solidarity between the communities as well as through the individual will, which avoids resorting to violence.