How Does Steinbeck Present The Theme Of Discrimination In Of Mice And Men

A member of society is an intelligent, white male. At least that is thought to be the norm during the 1930s. If someone were not to fit into those categories, he or she is considered inferior to society. They would be taunted or simply ignored. In Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men, the theme of discrimination is best represented by the characters of Lennie, Crooks, and Curley's wife. The characters having their own reason of being out casted. If one were to have a physical or mental disability during the 1930s, society shuns them. Often they are not treated with the proper respect a "regular" person would. Lennie is among those people with a mental disability. People would find any reason to find any reason to pick on them. It can be seen in the novella. "Then Curley's rage exploded. ‘Come on, ya big bastard. Get up on your feet. No big son-of-a-bitch is gonna laugh at me. I'll show you who's yella.'" (Steinbeck 62) Because he has a slower brain, people can treat him Lennie disrespect, and not think it does not
She shall only look at her husband to show loyalty. Curley's wife married for his money and stability. Not given a name, but becomes a possessive noun throughout the novella. Her marriage consists of no love. In an alternative, Curley's wife starts looking for attention from the other workers. She flaunts herself in an attempt to receive love. However, being the only female on the ranch gives the workers of ideas of she is. Curley's wife is seen as a tart, and George explains to Lennie "… I never seen no piece of jail bait worse than her" (Steinbeck 32). The workers of the ranch avoid her to prevent her causing any trouble. Curley's wife responds with anger when workers do not respond to her. "'Wha's the matter with me?' she cried. ‘Ain't I got a right to talk to nobody? Whatta they think I am?'" (Steinbeck 87). In the end, Curley's wife's need of the spotlight got her