Abstract
John Steinbeck (1902-1968), one of the most important writers in twentieth century American literature, has written a number of masterpieces like The Grapes of Wrath, East of Eden and Of Mice and Man. Though Steinbeck criticism never reaches consensus and some critics even show doubt on his literary creation, John Steinbeck's thinking and unique artistic style secure him a steady important position in the history of American literature. This paper intends to probe into Steinbeck’s artistic style embodied in the novel in four aspects: symbolism, dramatic characteristics, tragic aesthetics and naturalism. 
Keywords   Steinbeck   Of Mice and Man   symbolism   dramatic characteristics   tragic aesthetics   naturalism. 


约翰•斯坦贝克(1902-1968)是二十世纪美国文学史上的一位重要作家，著有《愤怒的葡萄》、《伊甸园以东》、《人与鼠》等名作。虽然斯坦贝克评论从未取得一致的声音，更有评论家怀疑他的创作，但斯坦贝克的思想和独特的艺术风格都足以使他在美国文学史上占有稳固的一席之地。本文通过对斯坦贝克中篇力作《人与鼠》的研究来探讨其艺术风格，涉及象征手法、戏剧性特点、悲剧艺术特色以及自然主义色彩四个方面。
关键词  斯坦贝克    《人与鼠》   象征手法    戏剧性特点   悲剧艺术     自然主义

John Steinbeck, American writer and Nobel Prize winner, is one of the most prolific and accomplished novelists. He has been regarded as a significant author of the twentieth century and has attracted a multitude of readers. He is well known for his passionate yet accurate depiction of the harsh social and economic conditions during the 1930s' Great Depression. His characters always experience severe hardship，miserable suffering, discrimination and the temptation of being evil. In our reading experience, we could also feel his strong sympathy with the working class, his land complex and his profound exploration into human nature. These traits all make his characters full and round, able to impress people. His poetic language and grand themes gain him a steady and important position in American literature.