How Does Steinbeck Use Power In Of Mice And Men

Power is defined as the ability to do something or act in a particular way, especially as a faculty or quality. That impact of power can change the way one thinks. It factors into what changes people may want to make based on someone’s else's influence. In the book “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, two men, George and Lennie make their way to a farm in California during the Great Depression which in fact, gets Lennie in trouble for the numerous time. Hoping to have a good experience with their new job, they meet Curley, he uses his attitude which rubs off on others not in a good way. He is the boss's father which he takes advantage of in order to show his strength as a aggressive male. This behavior affects his wife into thinking she needs

She can represent evil, making the readers take her as a threat that something bad will soon happen. Another example of her taking power and uses it for her own good is when. She takes the way she sounds and makes it into something she can use against someone. The way Curley’s wife takes words and puts it into imagery makes a difference to who it is being directed at,"Listen, Nigger,"…"You know what I could do?"Crooks seemed to grow smaller....I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny”(7). The fact that Curley’s wife doesn’t recognize her way of hurting someone really impacts Crook’s life. He did stand up for himself but as she raised her voice and brought in the feeling of how badly she could change this man's life he stopped, Crooks realized that she had more power in that situation. Steinbeck includes the importance of imagery and how Curley’s wife used it for more selfish reasons. In addition, Curley’s wife shows power by flirting when she has a conversation with Lennie as she knows they aren’t suppose to talk. This example of her taking advantage. Begins with making Lennie feel bad for her, “But Lennie was not to be drawn.” No,

"I ain't doing nothing," he said. "Just come to look at my puppy. And I seen your light," he explained”(1). The tone the first time Crooks uses when someone try’s to get into his room is strong and seems powerful. Steinbeck is just showing the challenge of how difficult it is to break down someone's wall when they won’t allow someone in. This impact is effective because the tone changes as the story goes on and Crooks does let him in after he realizes Lennie isn't like all the others. Having him think that he and Lennie are alike allows him to let Lennie in making an exception for being different. For instance, this time Crooks agrees with both Lennie and Candy,”He hesitated. "...If you...guys would want a hand to work for nothing- just his keep, why I'd come an'lend a hand. I ain't so crippled I can't work like a son-of-a-bitch if I want to"(6). The tone changes as it was not the same perspective Crooks had in the beginning. He believed no matter how hard you worked getting land of your own would never happen but these two guys changed that for him giving him something to work for. Steinbeck changes tone over time to effect how these characters