The Ostler by Wilkie Collins and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck :: English Literature

The Ostler by Wilkie Collins and Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. 'The Ostler' was written by Wilkie Collins (1824-89), a Victorian novelist. Collins' work became popular because he wrote plots that often included mystery, suspense and crime. His stories always had extremely well constructed plots. Collins also reflected the Victorian era's interest in gothic stories. These are stories that contain supernatural or horror themes. Readers at this time enjoyed stories like 'The Ostler' and other work by Wilkie Collins like 'The Moonstone' and 'The Woman in White', although sometimes the events were a little far-fetched and improbable.'The Ostler' supports this, as it is improbable that a hallucination could in fact come to life. John Steinbeck (1902-68) was born in California and used the state as the background to his early stories and novels. Steinbeck, like his characters George and Lennie, had worked on a ranch like the one in 'Of Mice and Men'. He was shocked by the plight of many agricultural workers, whose lives were thrown into disorder during the depression in farming. This occurred in California, during the 1930's. Steinbeck's novella, 'Of Mice and Men' is effective as he was able to describe in depth the emotions that those who worked hard on the land felt. He was able to empathise with his characters, as he had experienced these hardships himself. This means that readers are able to sympathise with the workers far more. The book, at the time, was an extremely successful way to draw attention to a serious issue. Although the book doesn't dictate the rights of workers, nor bombard you with figures, the situation of the men on the ranches is still portrayed effectively. The message still gets across due to Steinbeck's excellent use of the emotions and empathy. Both 'Of Mice and Men' and 'The Ostler' begin with journeys in unpleasant circumstances. In 'The Ostler', the reader first learns of Isaac Scatchard and his 'ill luck'. In fact, Isaac is famous for this and in the story we are told of how Isaac had missed out on another job. Isaac had walked to a large manor house to apply for the job of stable hand. However, Isaac arrived at his destination late at night and thought it best to lodge at an inn. On presenting himself to the gentleman he found that "Only a day before, the stable-helper's place had been given to another man." As Isaac returns to his mother on the long journey home, "The rain came on and the wind began to rise." This is an example of pathetic fallacy. In this case the change in the atmosphere of the text is one towards darkness, of bad and evil.