How Does Steinbeck Present Prejudice In Of Mice And Men

John Steinbeck published Of Mice and Men in 1937, portraying two struggling migrant workers on their tiring journey; George and Lennie. This narrative hugely reflects the time period in which it was written, since it was the time of The Great Depression (in the 1920-30s) where the stock market crashed. Therefore little jobs were available to citizens and those that were most probably meant travelling rather long way. This ties into Of Mice and Men through the concept of George and Lennie doing to work on the ranch. Also within this historical period there was a lot of prejudice, inequality and discrimination, Steinbeck intentionally mirrors these themes effectively.

Within the ranch there are various characters, who are all playing their role

However goes on to mention, “Nice fella, too.” – As if it was an afterthought and that the primary concern to them was what visually separates them (and in this case it’s Crooks race). By this reference, “nigger” you also learn that it was deemed acceptable for this term to be in use in this historical period. Furthermore Candy then goes on to say how a horse kicked him which gave him a “crooked back” – hence the name perhaps. Among Curley’s wife, Crooks’ actual name goes unmentioned throughout the entire story line. This clearly indicates the social issues surrounding inequality that was present around that time period. Candy also mentions in this section how the boss “gives him (Crooks) hell when he’s mad”. Which informs the reader of the effects how certain members of society take advantage and exploit the fact that Crooks is viewed upon as less of a person due to something that is out of his control. The reader can also make assumptions, like he may be found to be the scape goat in a

Lennie’s “disarming smile defeated him (Crooks)”, and therefore Crooks felt willing to show acceptance to Lennie and allow him to “Come on in and set a while”. Coming across more affectionate now, as even Steinbeck insists that Crooks “tone was a little more friendly”. Now that Crooks has been given some time to get comfortable in that atmosphere, he returns to the delicate matter of everyone else gone up town. Lennie begins to talk about the rabbits and the future dream he shares with George and Candy - at first Crooks in a way laughs it off and belittles his comments. Until Lennie shows his instance on their plan, so Crooks in return shares a story regarding his childhood and how that’s impacted his present perspective. How from being the only coloured family for miles, he is now the only coloured man on the ranch. He goes on to vocalise his thoughts further, as he states; “I seen it over an’ over – a guy talkin’ to another guy and it don’t make no difference if he don’t hear or understand……it don’t matter. It’s just the talking. It’s just the bein’ with another guy.” There we gain glimpse of enlightenment on his life, and how lonely he really is. It shows that he is appreciating Lennie’s company, despite him not necessarily hearing or