Examples Of The Weakest Characters In Of Mice And Men

In the novella Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, numerous characters exaggerate their weaknesses. The novel takes place during the Great Depression, which was a time of industrial production in the United States with a dramatic fallout economically. The two main characters, George Milton and Lennie Smalls, are searching for jobs to get back on their feet. Finally, they find a job working on a ranch in Salinas, California. A character that portrays weakness is Lennie Small. He is one of the weakest characters because of his intellectual disability. Lennie is very big and cannot control his strength, which leads to complications. Another protagonist who exaggerates his weakness is Crooks. Crooks, an African American and the only African

Lennie can be seen as a big, strong, and tough guy. However, he truly is oblivious, childlike, and forgetful. He cannot control his actions, freezes up when scared, and doesn't understand boundaries. An example of Lennie portraying his weakness is when his caretaker, George, instructs Lennie to stay silent during their job interview. Lennie cannot answer any questions, or they will both lose their jobs. As stated in the novella, George asks Lennie what he will do at the interview: "His face was concentrated; "I ain't gonna.. say a word" (Steinbeck). Lennie listens to George and doesn't speak when the boss asks him questions about his ability to work; instead, George answers for him. Lennie knows the consequences and doesn't want to anger George in any way. Another situation that highlights Lennie’s weakness is when Curley’s wife, the boss's son’s wife, brutally dies. Curley’s wife was speaking to Lennie about their dreams. Lennie talks about his dream of living on a farm with George and tending rabbits. As a friendship starts to form, it quickly ends. Curley’s wife allows Lennie to touch her soft, silky hair. Lennie agrees because he likes to pet soft things with his big hands. After a couple of strokes, she wants Lennie to let go before he messes up her hair and starts to yell. Lennie gets frightened, so he freezes up and his grip gets tighter. Curley’s wife is struggling to overpower

Crooks is the only black man on the ranch and receives racial discrimination from the other workers. Since he is "different" from the others, Crooks is lonely and isolated; he doesn't have a group or anyone to talk to. Crooks take care of the horses on the ranch. He lives and sleeps in the barn on his own. He struggles to stick up for himself. Crooks get threatened to be lynched and fired by the boss’ son, Curley, and his wife. The ranchers make fun of him by calling him Crooks because he was kicked in the back by a horse, leading to his having a crooked spine. An example of Crooks being weak is when, before Curley’s wife dies, she confronts Crooks, Lennie, and Candy, an old man, in his own home. Curley’s wife is controlling and manipulating the three men. She tells Lennie she knows he hurt Curley, but Lennie stays quiet and won't admit it because he was told not to speak to her. Crooks sees Lennie's guilt, so he tries to stand up for Lennie and tell Curley’s wife she has no right to be in his home. She is stunned by Crook's comment and replies, " "You know what I can do if you open your trap?" Crooks stared hopelessly at her, and then he sat on his bunk and drew into himself. "You know what I could do?" Crooks seemed to grow smaller, and he pressed himself against the wall. "Yes, ma’am" (Steinbeck). Crooks feels like nothing; he silences himself after she threatens him. He realizes there is no point