It teaches people about lack of understanding; Steinbeck molds the readers" perception, showing them not everyone, especially in times of old, comprehends people's differences. The last sentence of the book deals directly with this aspect. It leaves the reader in deep thought about the differences in peoples culturing in times of old from current times, and if they have really changed at all. Parables are also usually well known, and when many people know these parables, a sense of community is created. Of Mice and Men fits these criteria. Many people know the story and the situations it deals with, and because of this they may converse on the book, discuss the theme, and thus they feel a sense of community. This is similar to the parables told by Jesus. After he told the people the stories they all knew them well and could reflect back upon areas in the theme and hidden meanings in the plot.
This brings us to the important prospect that, in this case, love is murder. The case of this might not always be so severe as murder, but the general idea is that sometimes one must hurt loved ones to protect them or for later benefit. The particular situation this idea deals with is when George kills Lennie quickly to save him the pain and suffering that Curley and his group would have otherwise inflicted upon him. This is foreshadowed by Candy's dog and how Candy chose not to do what needed to be done himself. Candy, making the wrong choice, lets Carlson put his dog down. George made his decision out of love, and did not want to put himself in the same regretful position as Candy. Personal pets are the most common example of ending suffering because of love; through this medium almost everyone can find a way to relate their own personal experiences to that of the book. The vulnerable and weak will always be subject to flak from the less vulnerable. Albeit one may feel the need to protect the vulnerable, their struggle will forever be in vain.
