We have a decision: "Old Man and The Sea" vs. "Of Mice and Men"

The anticipated showdown between literary greats was held at The Farmhouse at 7 PM as the sun was setting on a clear but windy evening bearing unseasonably warm temperatures.Pompous was expecting the unexpected on this April Fool's Day from the pranksters gathering for cocktails and dinner. Rather, serious minds randomly arrived wearing the faces of a long work week. The face-off between Hemingway and Steinbeck was the evenings main event.An opening round of Sazeracs had the effect of lighting a tenderbox sparking an ejaculation of comments hinting of the unsettled debate ahead.

Hors d'oeuvres  of roasted figs with honey and cinnamon over ricotta on crostini squelched the debate. As the sun took leave from the day's burden of fine men Pompous called everyone inside to a pre-set table. Tunma steaks peppered with garlic, lemon, and herbs were ready for the grill. As the tuna stood down after the blink of an eye, jumbo shrimp with shells and tail hit the skillet. Visions of the Old Man and the Sea came to m ind as the Tuscan prepared tuna and shrimp were introduced to fingerling potatoes and Wanda's red beet, greens, and fruit salad. Warmed solarno bread  with grated Parmesan cheese necessitated frequent reaches for the Chardonnay. The happy hour finished with home-made brandied peaches served over vanilla bean ice cream. Responding to our instinct we rose from the table, gave thanks to Wanda, and made our way to the patio. Wanda's help with dinner allowed the evening's events to flow like the currant of the old man's skiff in the Gulf. Stepping outside I smiled appreciatively to my prize catch. Now we had bigger fish to fry.  

It was a perfect night to sit outside. The Chimera drew us like moths to a flame. Pompous handed out 5 white montecrisco cigars. The white speckled bloom on each cigar gave evidence to the mature age of the Connecticut wrapper. A pour of Jefferson soon gave way to the gavel as Pompous opened the 25th book review of coxcombs known as The MOP.

I'll try to summarize our 2 hour dialogue of deeply profound and balanced perspectives and insights as we weighed in on each novel.

To set the stage, until the late 1940's when Faulkner's reputation began to climb, Hemingway considered Steinbeck his main rival for what he called the "Championship". Interestingly, another author considered in this illustrious group of competitors, was a previous MOP turner by John O'Hara, Appointment in Samarra. Critics alike were greasing their quills to establish a literary monarch of the day. 

What did the boy see in then old man? What did George see in boy-like Lennie? What was the bonding agent that fused these characters over such difficult times. Both short stories shared many similarities. The setting of sea vs. farmlands directed readers to contrasting environments. But as the stories unfolded a coincidence of similarities was identified throughout the stories. Was Hemingway influenced by Of Mice and Men i wondered? I suspect he was. 

Both novels employ drifters as the main character.  The absence of women seems odd, for sure by today's standard. Albeit, the lone female is the change agent in an otherwise minor minor role in Steinbeck's novel. Loneliness is the unequivocal companion in both stories which allowed the writers to peer deep inside a man's soul. Nature assumed the role of a spiritual adviser in both novels and the characters accepted it's consequences. Nurture is found quietly in the man's affection for the boy and George's admirable caretaking of Lennie. Yet Nature yielded unexpected harsh lashes at random turns throughout both stories.A core theme of both books; tough life, tough love.

Another major similarity was the use of dreams and fantasizing to life spirits in order to endure hard times. No mood elevating medications in these stories. Surprisingly even alcohol was hardly mentioned.  Both stories conclude with a loss- the old man loses prized marlin; George losses his lifelong companion, both at their own hands in a way. Finally, both stories present the reader with insight into the deep seeded qualities that distinguish a man's behavior. Each novel illustrated hero-like qualities in a man that require perseverance, endurance, and love to overcome the regrets and inequalities of life and the overpowering power of Nature.

The most dramatic difference in the novels to me was the completely introspective focus of the old man in Hemingway vs. the broader social and moral focus underwritten by Steinbeck. In the end there can be only one winner. With two votes cast for each writer, I, Pompous de la Pundit declared Hemingway the Champion in this comparison.