Inequality
The Theme of inequality is prevalent within John Steinbeck’s book, ‘Of Mice
and Men’, especially in the social ignorance of 1930’s America.
Characters to note:
Lennie
Curley’s Wife
Candy
Crooks
Inequality is built on a social hierarchy, of which, the people superior dictate
who will suffer and who will succeed in society. However, inequality mainly
develops from fear or suspicion of a race or social group. For example, in the
book, Crooks is labelled with racist terms such as ‘Nigga’ and he is also
isolated from others on the ranch. He resides in an old tool shed, which was
then turned into living quarters. Sub-standard to those of the white men.
Symbolism
-Crooks is unidentified with a real name, ‘crooks’ is because of the shape of
his stature. He has a crooked back because a horse kicked him. Society
(people on the ranch) has decided that his name is crooks; this shows that
he has very little power over his life. This also highlights the theme of
inequality.
-Sexism. Curley’s Wife is a woman within a men’s workplace, in a society
ruled by man and despite suffrage, is still confined by old traditions. She is
named as a possession of her husband, this
Shows a strong theme of inequality because it portrays women to mimic a
personal thing of man, women grow up to marry and be owned my a man.
Context
The American Dream had attracted many immigrants to America, It had
made America become a racial melting pot. The wall street crash left
millions unemployed and segregation in a collapsed society began to arise.
Extremist groups like the KKK formed in the ‘bible belt’ states where there
was a white male dominated society, which allowed the KKK to cause very
horrendous things to African Americans. Any country without economic
stability and a strong sense of leadership will always host extreme views
becoming popular in an effort to restore order.
Key Quotes:
"Sure. Ya see the stable buck's a nigger."
"Nigger, huh?"
"Yeah. Nice fella too. Got a crooked back where a horse kicked him. The boss gives
him hell when he's mad. But the stable buck don't give a damn about that. He reads
a lot. Got books in his room." (2.15-17)
"…You go on get outta my room. I ain’t wanted in the bunk house, and you ain’t
wanted in my room."
"Why ain’t you wanted?" Lennie asked.
"’Cause I’m black…" (4.10-11)
"God, you're a lot of trouble," said George. "I could get along so easy and so nice if I
didn't have you on my tail. I could live so easy and maybe have a girl."
"Well, I will tell ya what—Curley says he's keepin' that hand soft for his wife."