Hardships In Of Mice And Men, By John Steinbeck

Throughout one’s lifetime, they have had to face many different struggles and hardships. The novella, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, gives insight into the different struggles and hardships faced by different characters and people. This novella was inspired by the poem “To a Mouse '' by Robert Burns and Stienbeck’s own experiences during this time. This novella takes place in the 1930s during the peak of the Great Depression, meaning it was very hard for people to trust and care for the needs of others. During this time it was also normalized to treat people who were mentally ill wrongfully. However, even with these unideal conditions George and Lennie were able to form a bond unlike anyone else. Even though it may be hard, characters such as Crooks,

Crooks is left out numerous times by other characters in the novella due to the color of his skin. Crooks is seen and treated differently and like an outsider even though he is book-smart and economically well-off. Unlike the other guys the boss always takes his anger out on Crooks “ The boss gives him hell when he is mad.” (Steinbeck 20) This quote shows proof that the boss always takes his anger out on Crooks. This shows that not only do the guys on the ranch treat Crooks differently but even the boss treats him differently because of the color of his skin. The guys and the boss distance themselves from Crooks leaving him extremely lonely and isolated at times “ ‘A guy needs somebody-to be near him.’ He whined, ‘A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody’ ” (Steinbeck 72). This quote is an example of Crook's social powerlessness in the novella. Crooks has nobody to talk to or empathize with because he is so secluded from the rest of the guys on the ranch socially. Overall, Crooks is oppressed and left out by his coworkers on the ranch even though he is intelligent and financially comfortable with a good