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Great Depression In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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In Of Mice and Men explores the economical and social problems people faced during the period of the Great Depression. The novel consist of two main protagonist who travel together throughout California helping each other and escaping out of bad situations. The main focus is about how dreams alter and deeply affect the perspective of reality. The idea of reality is also joined by gender and racial dynamics that affect to situation greatly. Steinbeck portrays how the social status of women is held below everyone during the Great Depression. Considering the semi-large array of characters women are held at the end of the spectrum and are not likely to be taken into consideration. In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck discredits women and displays unhealthy …show more content…

Curley's wife then speaks to the men, "An' what am I doin'? Standing' here talkin' to a bunch of bindle stiffs-a nigger an' a dum-dum and a lousy ol' sheep-an' likin' it because they ain't nobody else." (77Steinbeck) Steinbeck shows how Curley's wife was set below any character in the book by showing the relationship with Crooks, Lennie, and Candy. It is significant because Crooks is a minority who is separated from everyone, Lennie has a mental handicap, and Candy who has a physical handicap and is an elder. They are all given roles on the farm and are held with even more respect than Curley's wife who is in her right minds and is physically healthy. Curley inquires about the beings of her wife Carlson then responds with, " Why'n't you tell her to stay the hell home where she belongs." (61 Steinbeck) Carlson uses a sexist remark of how women should stay at home where they belongs which is understandable to a certain degree because during the Great Depression they did not need any distractions or obstacles during their

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