How is Discrimination a key theme in
Of Mice and Men?
Crooks
Curley's Wife
Why: Already Curley's Wife is discriminated by not even being
told her own name, she is objectified and is always trying to
find a way not to be lonely by always asking 'have you guys
seen Curley'. She is discriminated because of her gender and
how she is portrayed by other women mentioned in the
novella. Also Lennie only killed soft and innocent living things
beforehand that could symbolize that women are weak and
not well treated.
How: As mentioned before she is objectified as Curely's Wife not a
proper name. The other women don't represent the gender fairly, as
mentioned in the brothel women are easily pushed around and can
be equally seen on the ranch how the same men treat her like a 'tart'.
Ironically the person who's meant to love her doesn't actually love
her and vise versa, she is constantly looking for Curley and vise versa
whereas Curley's Wife is always looking for accompiment from
especially Lennie using her powers against his weakness.
Context:
Lennie
Why: Lennie has a mental disability that no one
understands or even cares for Lennie besides for
George. Even George we can argue how much he
cares for Lennie or is he using Lennie just to
complete his dream of 'living of the fatta of the land'
How: Lennie is constantly being teased by all
people besides Curley's Wife. Even Crooks ( a
negro) undermines Lennie when they meet in
the barn. Curley, even though having an
authouritive figure already being placed above
Lennie is jealous of his pure strength after
himself claimin himself to be really good at
boxing.
Context: Being mentally disabled was frowned upon and seen as a burden
to society, contributing to nothing intelligent. However Lennie is a symbol
of hope even though he is on the spectrum of some metal disease he does
still work. Many people wonder why George is friends with Lennie and is
due to his mental disability however it is seen as George taking money
indirectly from Lennie just to finish his dream.