Truths Exposed in John Steinbecks Of Mice and Men Essay

Truths Exposed in Of Mice and Men John Steinbecks timeless novel Of Mice and Men is a somewhat controversial story of the hardships of life. To illustrate these hardships, Steinbeck takes the reader back to an era of bankruptcies, migrant workers, and drifters. Today, this time, the 1930s, is branded the Great Depression. The quest of George and Lennie, two migrant workers, is an example of the dilemma of thousands of homeless and unemployed men in America during the Great Depression era (Ito 39). The harsh circumstances presented by the Great Depression reveal a darker side of human nature. In order to survive, a mans priority had to be himself. Through his characters, Steinbeck exposes truths about people and life in†¦show more content†¦Curley misjudges Lennie, thinking that since Lennie is retarded he will be able to easily whoop him and make himself look good for beating a much bigger man. As seen through the character of Crooks, the need for interaction with other people is demonstrated. The setting of this story perfectly emphasizes the theme of mans need for companionship, or, as Donald Pizer calls it, fear of apartness (Owens 145). Due to the racial discrimination of that time, Crooks, a disabled black man, goes through life all alone. When retarded Lennie, who is too innocent to show bigotry towards anyone, starts an exchange with Crooks, Crooks immediately opens his heart to Lennie. Steinbeck writes, Crooks scowled, but Lennies disarming smile defeated him. Come on in and set a while, Crooks said... His tone was a little more friendly (Steinbeck 69). Though Lennie is not bright enough to comprehend any of Crooks feelings, to just have another person there to talk to is adequate for Crooks. Donald Pizer, a noted critic, agrees when he says, One of the themes of Of Mice and Men is that men fear loneliness, that they need someone to be with and to talk to who will o ffer understanding and companionship (Owens 146). This need for contact with others is somewhat incongruous when compared to the world at present. Today inequity is not nearly the problem it once was, yet people frequently choose to immerse themselves in front of aShow MoreRelatedJohn Steinbeck s Social Responsibility1747 Words   |  7 PagesUnited States are being treated extremely fairly, and they are receiving the help that they need. But this improvement in treatment does not come without the hard work of numerous people throughout the decades. One of the many people is John Steinbeck. Steinbeck’s emphasis on social responsibility brought much light to many important issues in the country. Seeing as how Lennie, who is intellectually ill, is a one of the main characters, Steinbeck clearly believed that the treatment of the mentallyRead MoreEssay on Censorship - To Censor Literature is to Censor Life2196 Words   |  9 Pageslying as in magic preservation in the pages o f books.   They are the chosen possession of men.   Thomas Carlyle spoke these words in the early 19th century.   Two hundred years later, it seems we still do not understand the breadth and magnificence of the written word.  Ã‚   Americans have forgotten the magical experiences that can be found in the pages of books.   Instead of respecting the chosen possession of men, they wield it as a tool to achieve their own ends.   If we lose our respect for knowledge