He tells George that he does not have any relatives, so he would be able to give all of his money to him and Lennie. Crooks, the black stable buck, is the victim of racial discrimination. Steinbeck shows how easily someone was discriminated against in the 1930s. She got the eye goin all the time on everybody I dont know what the hell she wants (Steinbeck 51). He was so frightened he could not let go, busting every bone in Curleys hand. In the novel Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck, many characters are unfairly oppressed. Sure. George and Lennie meet the ranch boss and several other workers in this chapter. It also affected the story by putting Candy in a mindset of wanting to get out of there, so he proposes to join George and Lennie in buying the little house. board with our, See Lennie is mentally handicapped and because of this, the men on the ranch often refer to him as a crazy bastard. Candy, the one handed housekeeper, is only allowed to live at the ranch as a compensation, because the loss of his hand occurred there. In conclusion, Steinbeck is trying to show us that women werent treated fairly either. Lennie is the perfect target of discrimination throughout the entire book. The three are startled to see Curley's wife standing in the doorway. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Although Lennie has a mental disability, he has the strength to do a lot of the ranch work and is a very good worker. He tells the guys a story of how one Christmas, a ranch worker beat up Crooks to entertain the other guys. So you forgot that awready, did you? In the novella Steinbeck romanticizes and idealizes male friendships. Remember, Lennie is more in touch with the natural side of things than the "civilized" side of things, so he doesnt accept the "institution" of racism. Lennie explains to George about the killing of the mice. Many people just misunderstand Lennie and judge him right away. Sure, its swell. Thiss the first time I ever been in his room. Crooks said darkly, Guys dont come into a colored mans room very much., Awright, she said contemptuously. Curleys wife is only allowed to talk to Curley and always feels lonely because of it. Most of the ranch workers display their feelings of racism against the only black worker, Crooks. Society treats Curley 's Wife poorly because she is a woman, Crooks because he is black and Lennie because he is disabled. Discrimination if often based on many qualities and abilities. All the men head into the bunkhouse for the night after a long day of work. - Description & Quotes, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. - Description & Quotes, Of Mice and Men Chapter 5: Summary & Quotes, Who is Curley's Wife in Of Mice and Men? Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. George to Lennie. Slim is the only character who shows respect for Crooks. I tell ya, I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an he gets sick., A guy sets alone out here at night, maybe readin books or thinkin or stuff like that. George has to take care of his big, special friend Lennie, he keeps his bus ticket and work card, because he knows Lennie would lose them. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. He would never actually leave him, but his rants about wanting a life of his own symbolize his feelings of isolation. Not jus one, neither. A migrant worker once beat him for entertainment. Steinbeck uses this example to show how something useless should be destroyed, metaphorically showing the discrimination of Candy, Crooks, and Lennie. Theyll take ya to the booby hatch. Segregation was prominent in the 1930s, which meant he could not live, sleep, or eat with the white ranch workers. (4.116-117). In Of Mice and Men, intolerance is a important topic, because during that time period it this discrimination of minorities was socially acceptable as opposed to currently where we believe that intolerance has no place in our society. Lennis has no concept of consequences. George tells Lennie if he happens to get in trouble at their new site job to travel back to the riverbed and hide in the brush. Racism was a prominent attitude during the 1930s. For he knows that if the boss learns of Lennies disability, neither of them will get jobs. Crooks uses the racial slurs of the white men to describe himself, to show how he is aware of how little he is respected. Now, lookI'll give him the work tickets, but you ain't gonna say a word. Theyll tie ya up with a collar, like a dog (Steinbeck 72). No one has time to read them all, but its important to go over them at least briefly. Go on, George! Curley's wife enters the barn, and Crooks quickly persuades her to leave. She threatens him and says she can accuse him of raping her. Youd drink out of a gutter if you was thirsty., Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water and wiggled his fingers so the water arose in little splashes; rings widened across the pool o the other side and came back again. They both had to make money to support themselves. "Listen, N*****," she said. If we could keep Curley in, we might, But Curleys gonna want to shoot im. Racism and prejudice works two ways. "(Steinbeck 24). I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it aint even funny (Steinbeck 81). Jus strokin it., He heard Lennies whimpering cry and wheeled about. These authors also demonstrate various kinds of prejudice can make it difficult for many to achieve the American Dream. Lennie, who had been watching, imitated George exactly. Nevertheless, she uses her sexuality to gain power over them, allowing her to earn some respect. The two begin talking, and she tells Lennie that Curley is not a good husband. Both were dressed in denim trousers and in denim coats with brass buttons. They says he wasnt no good to himself nor nobody else. But Slim understands Lennies fate and that there will be no trial or mercy or for Lennie. George said, If I see him, Ill pass the word you was looking for him. She smiled archly and twitched her body. John Steinbeck has written 27 books and I have only read one, Of Mice and Men. George had to take responsibility for Lennie and did not want to see him suffer. The novella is a realistic representation of discrimination in society. Muriel Rukeyser, I am satisfied that all politicians were meant to be journalists and all journalists meant to be politicians." Look, George. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. They was so little, he said apologetically. Lennie is often excluded from nights out or things the other men are doing. Save everbody a hell of a lot of trouble., Lennie cried out suddenly I don like this place, George. His language reveals the sexist between Curleys wife and the men on the ranch. I aint wanted in the bunk house, and you aint wanted in my room. Why aint you wanted? Lennie asked. They find their way to Salinas Valley, where they hope to begin work. Lennie is presented as almost less than human, his mental retardation made obvious by the fact that he is not intelligent enough to check if the water is fresh and clean. Unfortunately, Lennie doesn't know his strength and always kills the mice by petting them too hard. Having a disability does not imply that the individuals arent skilled in different areas. Discrimination is still a problem today. "Sure. The victims of these types of discrimination are Curleys wife, who is unhappy and bitter about her life, Candy, the old, disabled swamper and Crooks, the black stable buck. ", "Yeah. Hes jes like a kid, aint he. Sure, hes jes like a kid. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 2. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 2, George and Candy talk about Crooks. If he hadnt been seen as a vulnerable person then Candy could have stopped them from killing his dog. He wants the security of knowing that he has somewhere to stay for the rest of his life, and that he will not be discarded. George and Lennie have been together since they were younger, as Lennie would come along with George while he worked, so they had become inseparable. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. ", Crooks stared hopelessly at her, and then he sat down on his bunk and drew into himself. This shows Georges influence on Lennie. Crooks became very bitter and lonely in this story because of his discrimination/segregation from everybody else. George treats Lennie like a child. (We will point out that he doesn't ever use Crooks' name, however. A big guy like you! Lennies lip quivered and tears started in his eyes. "You know what I can do to you if you open your trap? An he was dead (Steinbeck 87). Debasish Mridha, People look at me and go, 'You must have it made. In Depression era, people discriminated African-American people by using derogatory terms, physically assaulting them and limiting their socialization. He loves to hold mice in his big hands and pet them as they travel. Whatever you say, "it don't mean nothing." For example, when Curley attacked Lennie, Lennie grabbed onto Curleys hand and held on. Crooks to Lennie. The white kids come to play at our place, an sometimes I went to play with them, and some of them was pretty nice. Steinbecks novel Of Mice and Men takes place during the Great Depression, 1940s era and describes a very realistic situation about characters who are simply trying to get by and chasing the American Dream but struggles with conflict within themselves and the outside world. The average student has to read dozens of books per year. Lennie is asking George to drink plenty of water even after George yelled at him for drinking too fast. Lennie breaks Curley's hand, but the men make up a fake story, so George and Lennie do not get fired. George tells Lennie not to speak to the boss. He tried to get her to be quiet and he shook her; and her body flopped like a fish. WebFirstly, the most obvious form of discrimination is skin color. That aint no good, George.. But he's still pinching their heads, and he's still basically torturing the animals that he's supposed to be looking after. The characters face discrimination in many different ways including racial, age, gender, and disability. Little skinner name of Smitty took after the n*****. They hope to make it big, get rich, and buy some land for themselves. ?Of Mice and Men: Discrimination Why aint you wanted? Whatta they think I am, anyways? copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. Luckily he isnt a child, or George would be in trouble with the child protection authorities for abusing a child. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Both wore black, shapeless hats and both carried tight blanket rolls slung over their shoulders. After the mens game of horseshoes, Carlson complains about how good Crooks plays. He knows Lennie lacks self-control and understanding of his actions. George always knew that Lennie never did anything bad out of meanness and that is why he He tells Lennie he cannot play cards or go to the bunkhouse because he is black. An have rabbits. Some examples of discrimination involve Curley's wife. Steinbeck shows how easily someone was discriminated against in the 1930s. There wasnt another colored family for miles around. 2023 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. And if that day were to come, you would want it, wouldn't you? Everbody! In these two articles, one titled Of Mice and Men, Masterplots, Fourth Edition, by Angela D. Hickey and the other titled Of Mice and Men, Masterplots II: Juvenile & Young Adult Literature Series, Supplement, by Lynn C. Munro, the authors explain the way John Steinbeck wrote about prejudice. Curley's wife consoles him and says he can get another puppy. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 This shows just how bad Candy wants to get out of that ranch and that he will do anything to not be lonely. He cant turn to some other guy and ast him if he sees it too. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. Les go, George. Entire Document, See The guys wouldnt let him use his feet, so the n***** got him. WebThroughout the novel Of Mice and Men, Crooks, Curleys wife, and Lennie could not reach their potential because of the discrimination against them. Most of the characters are discriminated against for various reasons. Every part of him was defined: small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin and bony nose. As a black man Crooks is used to being at the very bottom of the hierarchy. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1, Lennie and George. Carlson, another ranch worker, tells Candy he should get rid of his dog because it's old and smells. Curley's wife implies that all of them are worthless and uses derogatory language toward Crooks. The 1930s was a time period in which discrimination played a vital role in the lives of minorities. Candy feels like his days are numbered. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Lennie doesnt understand racial prejudice and why Crooks is not allowed into the bunk house because of segregation. In Of Mice and Men, the narrarator implied that "The old man came slowly into the room. The guysll be comin in.. Candy tells the two men about others living on the ranch, one of whom is a black stable buck named Crooks. Where we goin, George? The little man jerked down the brim of his hat and scowled over at Lennie. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Nice fella tooThe boss gives him hell when hes mad. He looked across the fire at Lennies anguished face, and then he looked ashamedly at the flames. WebTop Lennie Being Discriminated Against Quotes Just remember, someday you might be asking for forgiveness. Discrimination is demonstrated in Of Mice and Men many times throughout the book with Lennie, Curleys wife, and Crooks. People with a mental disability are often looked Examine racism in ''Of Mice and Men'' by John Steinbeck. If he coulda used his feet, Smitty says he woulda killed the n*****. Cause Im black. George has taken on the role of father to the simple, childlike Lennie who likes to catch mice and pet them. George is already concerned that Curley's wife will be an issue. Get unlimited access to over 88,000 lessons. Curley makes a racist remark toward Crooks and tells Carlson to take his gun. Steinbeck purposely does not give her a name to show the little value of a woman's worth. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Steinbeck continuously shows that the characters are racist, which reflects the time. You jus stand there and dont say nothing. Throughout the novel, these three characters face many hardships because they are harshly judged and often misunderstood. Blubberin like a baby! We run. She is never referred to by name, but merely as Curleys wife. ", Crooks said darkly, "Guys don't come into a colored man's room very much." Carlsons exit is related to the discrimination lawsuit filed by Abby Grossberg, a producer fired by the network last month, the sources said. Because of disabilities, they are the weakness on which the stronger majority of the other men prey upon. Yes, maam. Well, you keep your place then, N*****. Of Mice and Men is a profound novel that has many things to teach society. Interpretations of quotes are very simplistic as this course is not designed to teach interpretations, it is simply a memory tool. WebDiscrimination plays a large role to feeling lonely. This is hard to read, butto be fair to Candyhe seems to be "relishing" the fight as a fight, and not just because it involves a crippled black man. She turned her head. Well, I aint gonna remind ya, fear ya do it again. A light of understanding broke on Lennies face. (1.44). After they killed Candys dog for the reason that it was old, candy felt lonely especially since it was his only friend for a long period of time, he also hated the fact that he had no power to stop it, candy looked helplessly at him for Slims opinions were law. He was depressed when his dog is shot, he rolled slowly over and faced the wall and lay silent. It reflected on the position candy was himself, filthy old, disabled, no use, features which candy and his best friend withhold. The next punch Curley threw, Lennie caught it and squeezed Curley's hand. I never knew till long later why he didnt like that. Lennie is a very large, strong man, however, people on the ranch don't believe he is a good worker because of his disability. "Yes sir. Jesus Christ, youre a crazy bastard! I forgot, Lennie said softly. But should George, who keeps dragging Lennie around with him, have taken some action before the big guy wound up killing someone? A guy needs somebody to be near him. | Sitemap |. I might of knew, he said gently. America just had protests dealing with Black Lives Matter and African Americans feel they are still discriminated against and treated differently. That Curley got his work cut out for him. However, Crooks quickly realizes Lennie has a mental disability and allows Lennie to enter his room. This novel, written by John Steinbeck, reflects many flaws in the world today. Nobody cant blame a person for lookin, she said. George loses patience with and verbally abuses Lennie for asking the same question over and over again. This shows the relationship between George and Lennie. Chapter 6 - As the lynch mob is searching the grounds of the ranch and surrounding area, George finds Lennie by the pond. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 2. Michele L. Rivera How crazy it is to be "yourself" by trying to live up to an image of yourself you have unconsciously created in the minds of others. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. We might, he said. Thomas Merton, Oh my Valentine! Lennie has a mental disability and likes to feel soft things between his hands as a coping mechanism. Crooks is the only black man working on the ranch. He likes to touch soft things and when she lets him touch her hair, she jerked her head sideways and Lennies fingers closed on her hair and hung on (Steinbeck 91). There are government programs to help support disabled people and also older people, so they dont have to keep enduring the hard labor that they once had to. Slim had not moved. If he pinches their heads, they'll survive. Create your account. The novel is set in the rural Salinas valleys of California. But his anger always fades when he realizes Lennie is handicapped and his compassion for Lennie overtakes him. I can go away any time. No look! WebI wont have no place to go, an I cant get no more jobs.. Yes sir. He would be confined to a psychiatric hospital, where he would suffer cruel and degrading treatments.
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