Sarah Gross
English 10
Mrs. Kincaid
9 April 2025
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Race Response: The Boss
In John Steinbeck's Novel, “Of Mice and Men,” the character of the Boss is introduced in
a way that creates a strong impression of his authority and demeanor. From pages
20-23 it is evident that the Boss is a figure of power who values control and answers.
One of the most telling quotes regarding his character is when he confronts George.
Steinbeck states, “Then why don’t you let him answer? What are you trying to put
over?” My initial impression of the Boss is that he is a demanding and confrontational
leader. He seems to value obedience and is quick to suspect manipulative intentions
when he feels his authority is being undermined. This is evident when he questions
George directly with, “Then why don’t you let him answer? What are you trying to put
over?” This quote highlights his distrust and his need to establish control in the
conversation. The tone of his question implies that he assumes George is being
deceptive or is trying to protect Lennie from his wrath. This reaction suggests that the
boss is not only authoritarian but also somewhat insecure, as he feels the need to
assert dominance in front of his workers. Such behavior creates a tense atmosphere
and illustrates the challenges faced by itinerant workers like George and Lennie.
Overall, these impressions paint the boss as a complex character who embodies the
harsh realities of the labor system during the Great Depression, where power dynamics
often put workers against their employers.