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How Does Steinbeck Present The Theme Of Racism In Of Mice And Men

478 Words2 Pages

INTRODUCTION John Steinbeck, the author of the 1937 classic novella, efficaciously explores the societal dynamics of the 1930’s America by delving into various thematic concerns and ideologies that were relevant to the intolerant society that existed back then. Of Mice and Men tells the tale of two migrant ranch workers, George and Lennie, who move from place to place in search of job opportunities during The Great Depression and the rise of the American Dream. The story details the friendship between the two as well as their experiences at their workplace and hardships they face. Steinbeck’s effective use of literary devices coupled with characterisation helps to establish ideas relating to racism, disability and The American Dream. With …show more content…

PARAGRAPH 1 - Racism Steinbeck’s thematic concern of racism is cleverly presented by the notion that racism is a never ending cycle that continues to have long lasting negative ramifications. With the Jim Crow Laws created to legalise segregation between white and coloured people, America was at its heights of racism. He primarily presents this through the character Crooks, a black stable buck who has to lives by himself because he is not allowed in the bunkhouse due to the colour of his skin. Steinbeck uses Crooks to show the effects of discrimination towards coloured people, for example, In chapter 4, Lennie asks Crooks why he ain’t wanted and Crooks responds, “Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I'm Black. They say say I stink. Well I tell you, you all of you stink to me.” This dialogue is overt in showing the discrimination

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How Does Steinbeck Present Prejudice In Of Mice And Men

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In the novel Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck conveys prejudice through how people act differently based on their relationships and the setting. Of Mice and Men is based during the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, when jobs were scarce, as proven by Lennie, Crooks and Curly’s Wife: They all are rejected for different reasons. This makes people have fewer bonds with each other, as stated from the boss when George and Lennie show up. He says “well I've never seen one guy care so much for another guy.” (Pg 22) Which demonstrates that bonds like these are not common during this time.

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John Steinbeck wrote the novella “Of Mice and Men” in the 1930s and featured hindering social barriers which were prevalent at that time. “Of Mice and Men” entails two migrant ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, moving to their new work in Soledad. Their friendship was unique. George acted as Lennie’s guardian despite not having been educated. George felt the sense of responsibility towards Lennie because Lennie is mentally challenged.

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Similarly Steinbeck introduces a character who has a physical disability, but he is judged because he is African American. With this in mind, John Steinbeck introduces Crooks to bring forth the idea that racism was still happening during this time period. Steinbeck provides visual imagery by station, “Crooks' bunk was a long box filled with straw, on which his blankets were flung”(Steinbeck

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(77) He is angry because the only private thing he has is his room which is in the barn, now that is being invaded by Lennie. Indirectly Steinbeck is saying that Crook can be compared to an animal as his room is the barn, symbolising the stereotyping and inequality of the society. In relation to the history of slavery, when the Great Depression the role of African Americans and women in society had been pushed back to the marginalised ways of the 1700s. In conclusion the statement to be validated is correct as the society has a feudal system where white men are on top and women not considered wise or equal. African Americans considered no more than animals’ life is tremendously difficult, making dreams out of

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