How Does Steinbeck Present The Mentally Ill In Of Mice And Men

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Paper jams happen every day, and what happens to paper? The paper is crumbled, gutted, and cast away as if it has no purpose. While a piece of paper and a human are different; both are still neglected once they longer fit in line. John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice And Men" illustrates the real life problem of people in America and Africa who mistreatment the mentally disable in favor of spending less money and time.

In fact, in “Of Mice and Men” the character Lennie shows how the mentally ill are treated and viewed. “I go get my shotgun. I’ll shoot ‘im in the guts. “Of course, Curley is referring how he will get his gun, and kill Lennie before he knows all the facts. This shows how the mental ill are viewed as a problem, and the only solution is a quick fix. “He backup until he was against the wall, and Curley followed, slugging him in the face. Lennie’s hand remained at his sides; he was too frightened to defend himself.” Furthermore, Curley Pushes Lennie into a corner. While in the corner, and repeatedly smacked Lennie kept his hands down. John Steinbeck shows how the mental ill are treated, and the issue is mirrored in …show more content…

According to Rick Callahan“12.1 percent of Americans surveyed in 1996 perceived people with mental illnesses as ``violent, dangerous, frightening.'' With this quote we can see one of the reasons for the mistreatment of the mentally ill. Since, it’s easier to fear what is not known, than to try to understand. Clare Nullis says “Up to 70 percent of epileptics could be seizure free if treated with simple, inexpensive anti-convulsants.” While the pills may be inexpensive, but the U.S will have to pay more for a less profit. The mentally ill are misinformed, mislead, and mistreated in the U.S, so more money will be made for less time. However, the U.S isn’t the only country who’s mentally ill are mistreated like in “Of Mice and