In the novel "Of Mice and Men", John Steinbeck uses a background setting which lets the reader know that the story could not take place anywhere else. Through intricate description of the setting without introducing characters, the author gives the impression that the setting will directly affect the story. A background setting is integral to the action of the story, unlike a backdrop setting which forms a context for the story. To properly analyze the backdrop setting of the novel "Of Mice and Men" a discussion of the role, symbolism, and historical significance of the setting must take place.
             By focusing on the setting in the first few paragraphs of the book, the author sets the stage for what is going to happen. By using adjectives such as "green" and "deep" to describe the Salinas River, John Steinbeck creates a mood of mystery, unpredictability and that something is going to be revealed. Through various landscape descriptions such as "golden foothill slopes" and "rocky Gabilan Mountains", and a worn footpath beaten hard by "boys going swimming" and "tramps looking for a campfire" duality is introduced.
             Once George and Lennie enter the bunkhouse, Steinbeck enables the reader to envision just what the interior looks like. The bunkhouse is described as a "long rectangular building" with whitewashed walls, an unpainted floor and small square windows. (Page 18) By detailing that each of the eight bunks inside were similar to one other, and contained no personal decorations, individuality seems non-existent. The dull and dark atmosphere is very different from the beautiful and bright landscape of the Salinas Valley. One cannot help but to sense a feeling of loneliness, desperation, and isolation, especially when comparing the two landscapes. Unlike the reality of the bunkhouse and Salinas Valley, the dream ranch is a place of peace, tranqui...