How does Steinbeck make this a particularly moving and poignant moment in the novel?
There can be no doubt that Steinbeck makes this passage moving and poignant. Furthermore, its starts with Lennie and George fighting, Lennie then says after George offers him a pup “If you don’t want me, you only jus’ got to say so, and I’ll go off into those hills right there – right up in those hills and live by myself. An’ I won’t get no mice stole from me.” This shows us that there is a father and son aspect between Lennie and George and that Lennie can get upset if he doesn’t get what he wants. Consequently this can be moving as Lennie gets upset which therefore leads to the reader feeling moved.
There is a poignant effect between Lennie and Georges dream. In addition, the dream is one-sided as George realises that the ‘American Dream’ is unrealistic and knows the chances are slim. However, he has to use this to stimulate Lennie as he wants to tend the rabbits on the farm. Lennie and George say “Lennie spoke craftily “Tell me – like you done before.” Tell you what said George.” Lennie said “about the rabbits.” George snapped “you ain’t gonna put nothing over me.” Lennie pleaded, “Come on George, Tell me please”. This shows us that Lennie wants George to tell the dream and George doesn’t really want to as he knows it is unrealistic. Moreover, the prolepsis at the begin of the story as the rabbit runs away and Lennie tries to catch it is hinting that the dream is unrealistic which therefore leads this to become poignant as the dream is beautiful however but sad.
Additionally, when George begins to tell the dream to Lennie he soon gets deep into the dream and begins to believe it himself even though he knows it is unreachable. Furthermore this during the great depression which make times harder and more poignant at times. Lennie also believes he can look after George in the novel as Lennie says “But Not Us! An’ why? Because… because I got you to look after me and you got...