In "Of Mice and Men," John Steinbeck uses symbolism to show that no matter how hard one tries to overcome fate, their destiny will always remain the same. After a day of work, the men on the farm prepare for a game of cards. "They took places opposite each other at the table under the light, but George did not shuffle the cards. He rippled the edge of the deck nervously, and the little snapping noises drew the eyes of all the men in the room, so that he stopped doing it." (Steinbeck 49). The cards represent George's life, and rippling the edges of the deck symbolize how George tries to control his life. However, George is bound by his fate, and does not have control over his destiny. This is shown when George only ripples the edge of the deck instead of actually rearrange the order of the cards. Steinbeck uses symbolism to show that fate is predetermined. Despite the efforts one may make to control their lives, their destiny will never change. For example, George and Lennie run from ranch to ranch every time Lennie caused trouble. Eventually, however, Lennie's actions catch up to them and George is forced to kill him. Furthermore, when George ripples the edges of the cards, it draws the attention of the other men, which causes George to stop rippling the cards. The men represent fate, and when George stops rippling the edges of the cards because of the men, it represents how fate has stopped George from trying to achieve his dream. After Lennie unintentionally kills Curley's wife, Curley organizes his men to hunt Lennie down. Steinbeck then describes the setting of the barn after the men leave. .
"The sound of the men grew fainter. The barn was darkening gradually and, in their stalls, the horses shifted their feet and rattled the halter chains." (Steinbeck, 98) The darkening setting symbolizes the end of Lennie and George's dream. Their dream, which they worked so hard toward, dies due to Lennie's fate of being mentally disabled.
