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Femininity In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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‘Of Mice And Men’ a novella written by John Steinbeck delves into the idea of how characters are used to explore certain techniques and ideas throughout the novella. Through the main character Lennie, we see an insight to how Steinbeck has portrayed his character highlighting his Innocence. Furthermore we explore the idea of femininity through Curley’s spouse, who also happens to be the only female character made known in the novella. Additionally we are exposed to prejudice through the character Crook. His character being particularly important because he is representing the coloured race in this time of The Great Depression.

Steinbeck’s novella “Of Mice And Men’ has purposely placed Lennie in the chosen character throughout the novella …show more content…

Steinbeck: who has deliberately places her in the book to emphasise the known fact that women were not respected in the 1930’s. They were there to provide relief to the mans needs and be able to start a family. Basically treated like they were nothing. The audience discovers this through the fact that the only other female characters in the book are prostitutes. “"...Seems like Curley is cockier'n ever since he got married." George grunted. "Maybe he's showin' off for his wife."” She is representing the women of the 1930’s only there being portrayed as a sex symbol or a piece of meat. Steinbeck has really proven much she was worth by not even giving her a name, throughout the whole book she is referred to as ‘Curley’s Wife’ whereas the male characters ALL have names. As the author John Steinbeck delves into the idea of femininity through Curley’s Wife, we are able so shine a light upon the topic of prejudice through …show more content…

Crooks is defined because of his colour and wasn’t accepted for being different. If he wanted work he was to work away from the white people and forced to sleep in a completely different bunk to the others George, Lennie, Candy etc. During The Great Depression Era people of colour weren’t treated like they were humans, they were treated like complete nobodies and were seen to be slaves. ”“Nigger, huh?” “Yeah. nice fella too. Got a crooked back where a horse kicked him. The boss gives him hell when he’s mad.”” Crooks represents the majority of coloured men during this time period. During his time on the ranch he faces utterly disgraceful and extreme racism, segregation and hatred all because he is of a different colour. Throughout the novella Crooks is to be working away from the other men and to sleep in a different room as if he was an alien. As we proceed to understand the thoughts of prejudice, we are greeted by John Steinbeck’s literary

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