Throughout “Of Mice and Men,” the author, John Steinbeck, portrays an underlying theme about the reality of human nature, themes of friendship, hardship, trust, discrimination, the weak opposed to the strong, and the overall futility of the perfect life we all seek. The hardships faced by the migrant worker during the great depression are enough to bring the animal out of anyone, stripping away any facade of civility and decency, because out here, it’s every man for himself. Despite this truth, it is still of the utmost importance to have at least one good acquaintance. The hardships one faces alone are far greater than one would face as a pair.
Enter our main characters, George and Lennie, two migrant workers who are forever bound in a fellowship of what they seek in the end. A companionship of such magnitude can only be forged in the fiery
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Trust is of the utmost importance in these conditions, knowing who it would be wise to bestow it upon, and to what extent. It is shown that Lennie trusts George implicitly, *insert the quote about the Sacramento River, you know the one* and as such, it’s safe to say that while George may not be able to trust Lennie to stay out of any trouble, he won’t be turning his back any time soon. However, an unfortunate impediment of trust, is inherent discrimination against those who are different, which while from a survival standpoint the thought process is understandable, It never did anyone good to make enemies. Blatant discrimination is exhibited numerous times throughout the story, seeing as nobody seems to trust Curley’s Wife or Crooks. *some quotes exhibiting this pls, go find them* Discrimination is rooted in a multitude of ideas, primarily those of culture and such things, which would bring about racist and sexist discrimination. It should seem obvious that the weak are inherently separated from the strong, for their ability and their power. This is where discrimination against the differently abled is factored