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Of Appropriate Language In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is ranked in the top ten most banned books in modern day education due to it's use of inappropriate language. The use of profanity and vulgarity in literature has been an ongoing topic for many years that could possibly never end. Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is one of the most debated novels on the topic of being banned from the use of inappropriate language. Although Of Mice and Men is a literary classic, it should be banned in schools due to inappropriate language. The use of profanity and inappropriate language in "Of Mice and Men" should not be allowed in schools because it makes the reader uncomfortable. Discomfort of the reader is caused by the repetitive use of inappropriate language and profanity which …show more content…

Adults who will be able to function in the professional world as young men and women. Using profanity in the classroom is in direct opposition to a learning environment where young adults are bettering their vocabulary. Of Mice and Men has many scenes where the main character George gets upset with other characters and uses inappropriate language to harp on them. For example, George states, ""So you forgot that awready, did you? I gotta tell you again, do I? Jesus Christ, you're a crazy bastard!" (Steinbeck 14). This vulgar language is what children and young adults will inherit from hearing the repetitive use of it. An article about profanity in literature proclaimed that, "When used incorrectly, profanity can be a shortcut to emotion and the reader is bound to remain unconvinced. Try to convey emotion through action, gesture or different dialogue for a more nuanced effect." (Reissenweber). It is much more formal to communicate by action and by a well vocabulary rather than the use of vulgar language. The use of profanity conveys a lack of vocabulary and intelligence which is in direct conflict of what the school is trying to achieve. Conventionally schools are trying to promote success and positive student image. Using profanity in the classroom through literature can promote a negative mentality. …show more content…

Of Mice and Men is a great book for reflecting on history. It puts the reader into the character's perspective on life during the Great Depression and it is a great emotional story where many connections can be made. The offensive language within the novel is utilized believably by the characters to express their own common vernacular. This can be seen as a further tool for the author demonstrate how tough the world that the characters of the book live in. An article named, Censorship & young adult literature stated, "Of Mice and Men should not be banned in any school or library today, but instead it should be taught and the themes, language, and content should be evaluated and studied today." (Steinbeck). This novel should not be banned because it is based off of history, and a reader can learn a lot about how America was effected during the Great Depression. It also should not be banned because the use of profanity and inappropriate language is used because it is illustrating the common vernacular used during that time

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