Institutionalized Norms In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

The 1930s was a time in history marked by struggle, instability, and inequality. The novel Of Mice and Men captures the perspective of migrant workers during this time period. Through this perspective, the author, John Steinbeck, paints a vivid story. Using the literary elements of character, symbol, and plot, Steinbeck reveals the theme of how in a society stratified by institutionalized norms, it is inevitable that those not part of the norm will be marginalized, ostracized, and pitted against each other, vying for a sense of power and control. This theme can first be shown through the dynamic between two characters, Crooks and Curley’s Wife. In Steinbeck’s writing, each character is purposefully written to convey a theme or a truth about

Demonstrating how when people see others as different or possibly weaker, they will act in their power to exploit them. Overall, through the recurring plot point of Lennie’s mistreatment, the marginalization of people not part of the institutionalized norm is demonstrated. Finally, Steinbeck uses the literary element of symbolism to show how people with physical disabilities are discarded and ostracized from the rest of society. An example of this in Steinbeck’s writing is the use of Candy’s stump as a symbol for the ostracization of the differently abled. The stump of Candy’s is what sets him apart from the rest of the men. All the other men are seen as fully physically abled, and therefore part of the norm. In the case of Candy, the lack of his arm or his stump is a symbol for how those not fully abled are treated, as Steinbeck often describes Candy as being an outcast, being thrown away. The stump represents how one will be treated once you are no longer part of the larger norm, and are perceived to be past use. This can be seen when Candy speaks with George and Lennie about his dog, where Steinbeck writes, “Candy sat on the edge of his

He recognizes how he is viewed, and knows he will soon be cast away. Steinbeck further elaborates on this, when Candy speaks about his dog, ’“‘They say he wasn't no good to himself, not nobody else. When they can me here I wish somebody'd shoot me’” (Steinbeck 59). This illustrates his ostracization from the rest of the men, his treatment is completely different. This further demonstrates how the physically impaired are treated. Once he is past his use, Candy knows he will be cast away. From symbols in his novel, Steinbeck demonstrates how those not part of the norm are ostracized from society. Ultimately, through his writing in Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck conveys an important commentary on social norms. By using the literary elements of character represented by Curley’s Wife and Crooks, plot represented by the conflict created by Curley, and symbolism represented by Candy, John Steinbeck reminds us of the nature of our society. He demonstrates how in our highly structured society, those not part of the norm will feel excluded, marginalized, and pitted against each other, vying for a sense of