For this concept map of Of Mice and Men, I chose to focus on the theme of Prejudice. This theme is constant throughout the novel, and it affects multiple groups of people. I chose to focus on three men: Lennie, Crooks, and Candy. Lennie Small is introduced in the story as one of the novel’s two main protagonists. Contrary to his last name, Lennie is in fact, tall, large and very strong. However, his true weakness lies in his brain. He appears to be mentally handicapped, however, the reason for his disability is not mentioned in the story. He has low-level intelligence and relies on others for guidance and encouragement. Lennie is also prone to forgetfulness, which leads others to become frustrated with him very quickly. Lennie is gentle and kind and shows that he cares for others. He …show more content…
He is a crippled black man, with a crooked black, which explains the story behind his name. Crooks lives in his own room secluded from everyone else on the ranch. Due to this prejudice, Crooks became truly lonely. He is the only black man on the ranch. The only person who “reaches” out to Crooks in the novel is Lennie. Due to the effects of Lennie’s mental handicap, Lennie does not think of Crooks as being different, as he is unfamiliar with the idea of racism. He is constantly referred and called by others as “nigger.” The racism he is subjected to is demonstrated in his meeting with Curley’s wife. Crooks attempts to intimidate Curley’s wife by threatening to tell her husband of her flirtatious acts and behaviour towards other men on the ranch. However, he is put in “his place,” after Curley’s wife threatens to punish him severely if he says anything. Although he is being discriminated against, Crooks still believes it crucial to turn his weakness into a weapon to attack the weak, making him feel superior to others. He demonstrates the disastrous effects that loneliness and solitude can have on a person, all placed upon him due to racial