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

In the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinback, the theme of unsighted prejudice is illustrated in a number of ways. Steinbeck conveys injustice amongst characters stricken with social disadvantages. He demonstrates the less powerful through people like Curley’s Wife, a nameless woman whose existence is only acknowledged through her husband’s name. Then again through Crooks, a black stable buck isolated from the rest of his coworkers due to his race. Finally through Lennie, a mentally disabled yet strong man accompanied by his friend to help him. Steinbeck uses his writing to convey the flaws of society and the prejudice toward marginalized groups at this time, and how isolating it is.

Unable to have a name for herself, Curley’s Wife is found

There is a sexist barrier between her and the men on the ranch, because they believe she should not be there. The men on the ranch attempt to keep her in her place, making the barricade for her to feel loved even harder to get over. In the article, “Of Mice and Men (Novel)” by Harold Bloom, it expresses the lack of self expression given to Curley’s Wife. Bloom states,

“He announces that he hears the men returning, and says, ‘You better go home now…If you go right now, we won’t tell Curley you was here’.” Candy’s threat works because Curley’s Wife also knows her word carries little weight, with her husband or anyone else” (Bloom).

Curley’s Wife, alongside remaining nameless, is only talked about whenever her husband is mentioned. Her decisions and actions always lead back to how Curley feels about them, or how it affects him. While perceived as whorish, she only ever wants to feel validated by the people surrounding her. Steinbeck’s portrayal of sexism in of mice and men shows how prejudice towards women can be perpetuated and appear blind by entrenched ideals. Curley’s Wife faces loneliness, as well as Crooks, but for much different

Faced with loneliness and rejected by those around them, all three share isolating defeats. The novel signifies the hardships that marginalized groups such as women, people of color, and the mentally disabled go through. In conclusion, Steinbeck challenges readers to fight against prejudice and confront their own mistakes and empathize with the oppressed groups. Of Mice and Men is a timeless novel with powerful lessons about humanity and its flaws, while demonstrating the corrosive effects a prejudiced world has on