What is symbolism?

Symbolism is a literary device used to represent something else by association or resemblance. It represents the deeper meaning of writing than just words themselves and is often a very powerful instrument. Symbols can be material or abstract objects, characters, figures, or colors. They stand for ideas and concepts.
Symbolism is not only used in literature. It can be seen in many different subjects and areas including mathematics. It is used in the form of numbers, operations and sets. For example, the symbol '=' shows equality. Symbols are also used in politics. Banners, acronyms, pictures and mottos can all symbolize a standpoint or opinion.

Symbolism in 'Of Mice and Men'

In 'Of Mice and Men,' George and Lennie's farm is one of many symbols in the book, standing for something deeper than just a piece of land. It symbolizes the American Dream and a future. George and Lennie strongly believe in the possibility of achieving this dream and discuss it several times throughout the course of the book. Everything they do and all the money they earn goes into the hope of one day being able to afford the farm. They yearn to be free of the oppression and hard labors that they face now, and to live in happiness on their own just as all people do. The farm in this book is what keeps two men going despite the hard period of time they live in and symbolizes a better future.

The novel contains several symbols that represent different ideas, among them being Lennie's puppy. The small animal stands for the weak and innocent, and their inferiority to those stronger than them. This is shown when Lennie, a huge, powerful man accidentally kills the tiny puppy. The defenseless animal was fragile and susceptible to the dangers around him, and this led to his death. The author shows that weaker people in this world will ultimately be overpowered by those stronger than them. It is an unfortunate truth of life that the author managed to convey through the simple killing of a puppy.

Candy's dog in the book is yet another symbol and represents something beyond an animal. The dog represents the useless and old, much like Lennie's puppy. All the men constantly complained about his smell and the terrible shape he was in, saying he was much better off being put down. Candy felt attached to him because he raised him from a pup and was his only companion. However, Candy allowed Carlson to shoot his dog and was offered a replacement of a new litter of young, healthy puppies. In other words, the weak are replaced by the strong. Candy's dog was not useful for anything anymore so he was disposed. The dog's killing was symbolic of the prevalence of the powerful in our world.

One of the underlying symbols of this book was the relationship between George and Lennie. The way they treated each other and the things they did and said were symbolic of a true and rare friendship. The two men knew each other from a very young age, creating an incomparable bond. They always kept each other's best interests in mind and protected one another, which no other men they knew did. Many were surpised to find out that they traveled together, but to George and Lennie, it made sense. They were beyond friends and were almost family. A friendship like that is more valuable that many material things in the world, and the men on the ranch failed to acknowledge that, just like many of us fail to appreciate our friends and family. George and Lennie are the ideal example of the true meaning of friendship.

At the beginning of the novel, the reader is introduced to one of the very first symbols in the story; the mouse that Lennie finds. The small mouse symbolizes death and subtly foreshadows Lennie's cruel end. Like the mouse, he is weak and vulnerable to those around him. He will suffer a fate just like the one it does. The author sends a very powerful message through the mouse, showing that even tiny mice and a large man like Lennie can have something in common.