In the novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck chooses to use many different and unique symbols in order to help develop the characters and provide foreshadowing upcoming events. The symbols used in this story give it a more effective message and allow us to better understand what Steinbeck wanted to convey. He uses many different forms of symbolism, some which are objects while others are real human relationships, in order to make the story more realistic and give it a more insightful approach. Steinbeck uses both large and small symbols in order to illustrate objects or symbols. the people in the book. The first major use of symbolism that Steinbeck chooses to use has to do with the setting of the first scene. The book begins with the characters, George and Lennie, resting by the Salinas River. The imagery used by Steinbeck in this scene is used to give the riverbank a very peaceful and calm atmosphere. The calm of the flowing river symbolizes the movement and changes that will occur in George and Lennie's lives. Steinbeck describes this shore as a safe sanctuary ...