Theme Of Prejudice In Of Mice And Men
Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, is an intriguing and captivating piece that captures America’s history. Throughout the text, Steinbeck demonstrates how multiple prejudices can affect contrasting characters in the 1930’s. Lennie Small and George Milton, a pair of bindlestiffs, witness the discrimination throughout the course of the novel. George cares for Lennie, who is mentally challenged, and once Lennie’s onerous actions increase, George makes the formidable decision to abruptly end his life. The characters in the story are faced with internal and external conflicts. These are shown for the duration of the text, supporting the theme: prejudice and discrimination can cause isolation. Steinbeck develops this theme through the literary
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Lenni’s internal conflict is evident while George confesses to Slim about what happened at their old ranch, Weed. George describes the events, stating, “‘Dumb bastard like he is, he wants to touch ever’thing he likes. Just wants to feel it. So he reaches out to feel this red dress an’ the girl lets out a squack, and that gets Lennie all mixed up, and he holds on ‘cause that’s the only thing he can think to do’” (Steinbeck 41). The other characters are oblivious to the fact that Lennie doesn’t know any better than to continue to hold on to the lady’s dress. Steinbeck’s use of Lennie’s internal conflict helps to display the theme. Crooks has been alienated by the other characters because of his race. Once Lennie walks into his shed, Crooks begins to act manipulative towards him, mocking him about what would happen if George left him. When Lennie appears to be upset, Crooks began to soften, becoming much more reasonable. The narrator writes, “His voice grew soft and persuasive,” (Steinbeck 71). However, once Candy visits as well, he conceals his soft side with vexation and anger, even though he is pleased someone else came over. Steinbeck writes, “It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger,” (Steinbeck 75). Although Crooks enjoys to appear tough, he shows a softer
Lenni’s internal conflict is evident while George confesses to Slim about what happened at their old ranch, Weed. George describes the events, stating, “‘Dumb bastard like he is, he wants to touch ever’thing he likes. Just wants to feel it. So he reaches out to feel this red dress an’ the girl lets out a squack, and that gets Lennie all mixed up, and he holds on ‘cause that’s the only thing he can think to do’” (Steinbeck 41). The other characters are oblivious to the fact that Lennie doesn’t know any better than to continue to hold on to the lady’s dress. Steinbeck’s use of Lennie’s internal conflict helps to display the theme. Crooks has been alienated by the other characters because of his race. Once Lennie walks into his shed, Crooks begins to act manipulative towards him, mocking him about what would happen if George left him. When Lennie appears to be upset, Crooks began to soften, becoming much more reasonable. The narrator writes, “His voice grew soft and persuasive,” (Steinbeck 71). However, once Candy visits as well, he conceals his soft side with vexation and anger, even though he is pleased someone else came over. Steinbeck writes, “It was difficult for Crooks to conceal his pleasure with anger,” (Steinbeck 75). Although Crooks enjoys to appear tough, he shows a softer