Lennie’s inability to form stable relationships in Of Mice and Men’s society produced tragedies which show the importance of stability. For example, his relation with Curley began with avoidance …show more content…
The first tragedy is caused by a simple but avoidable action. Romeo’s relation with Mercutio can be seen as a mutual friendship, and therefore they care for each other. However, during a duel between Mercutio and Tybalt, Romeo attempted to cease the fight and Mercutio is wounded. Later he explains that it was “all for the best” to save both lives (Shakespeare 39). Romeo’s actions caused the death of his own friend and enraged himself. As seen shortly after, his engagement caused Tybalt to be “slain” and forced to “stand not amazed” facing the Prince (Shakespeare 41). The death of Tybalt is a mishap to the public and tribulation to Romeo as he is now banished. Due to his distance away from Juliet, he is truly heartbroken by the act of violence. Although the previous events are detrimental, the primary incident is described in the prologue of the masterpiece. It foreshadows that Romeo and Juliet will both meet their demise together. Juliet shows that “poison hath been his timeless end” and therefore utters “let me die” (Shakespeare 74). If Romeo or Juliet did not hasten the relationship, their dreadful demise would have been avoided. Shakespeare shows that even romance and close friendships can cause …show more content…
In a short time frame on the beautiful island, the situation became a catastrophe. One example is when Ralph claims that the island “couldn’t have a snake-thing” and the boy was “ dreaming” (Golding 49). This created a false sense of security, and coincidentally, the boy returned to the forest when the uncontrollable fire was lit. This was described when Golding writes that “beneath them” the ungovernable fire’s “drum-roll continued” (Golding 65). Perhaps the most tragic death was caused by the bystander effect. Ralph participated in a “dance” and was “eager to take a place in this demented but partly secure society” (Golding 218). Simon, who unexpectedly appeared, became the victim of murder, and Ralph’s justification was that he left “very early” (Golding 227). This shows that Ralph not only fails to see that his actions have a potential life-saving effect, he also ignores the tragedies occurring on the island. With his anger of the murder and Jack’s assault on the tribe, Ralph called Jack “a swine and a bloody thief” and indirectly caused Piggy to die in the hands of Roger (Golding 258). Due to Piggy’s tragic death, Ralph is forced to escape alone and survive. These situations could have been avoided if Ralph’s approach with relations were passive rather than