The Role Of Prejudice In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

The central facet of the novel is the seemingly invincible amity between George and Lennie. A key feature of their companionship is their united dream, a dream which takes the form of a litany, constantly repeated throughout the novel in the same way – a source of comfort or consolidation when things are difficult for the two of them. Their goal is to be entirely self-sufficient, to 'have a little house and a couple of acres an' a cow an' some pigs'. This hope and optimism of this ambition stays in the forefront of their companionship, and its repetition provides relief from depression, keeping them sanguine.

Crooks also has an optimistic side of his character, thanks to his relationship with Slim. Employed as a lowly 'stable buck', Crooks experiences prejudice from all the workers on the ranch because of his skin color, and this persecution leaves him bitter. However, neither prejudice from Slim, nor bitterness from Crooks, exists in their relationship. They have mutual respect – Slim associates with Crooks' love of animals and with the knowledge that he is valued, Crooks politely addresses 'Mr. Slim'. Slim dignifies Crooks' identity saying 'Hello Crooks', using his name, which
would have been uncommon at the time. In a period of gross racism, their shared respect overcomes the great divides between the characters, and is a positive feature of an otherwise negative social environment.

Candy was devastated when Carlson shot his dog, but even he gained redemption through George and Lennie's dream.
The possibility of a brighter future creates hope and perseverance in him to carry on living, and he is willing to give everything he owns to make the best of his last few years, and to die with a sense of achievement. Despite the desolation of losing his dog, the American Dream is re-ignited inside him – the possibility of owning land and being free is enough for him to guarantee George and Lennie his share, 'I'll make a will an' leave my share to you guys in case I kick off'. He has not given up hope, and is, like Crooks, an example of how human spirit can survive, even in the most depressed circumstances – he has still not given up hope despite outliving his
usefulness.

Steinbeck incorporates numerous positives into negative situations, such that even someone as pathetic as Curley's wife, beneath all the bitterness and disappointment of her past, is essentially an innocent person who means well despite her appearance – she simply seeks companionship.

In bringing the story full circle, Steinbeck incorporates the final, ultimate redeeming feature of the novel within the most depressing act. The instinctive presumption is that George killing Lennie is a negative thing – he has had to kill his companion after going through everything possible with him. However, upon closer examination it is clear that George's reasons for killing Lennie are entirely sympathetic – the alternative to Lennie's death was still Lennie's death. It was a choice between Curley's mob, intent on causing him maximum pain and suffering, or George's: a final act of love. This way Lennie dies thinking of his dream, that they will get their place, 'Right now'. In death he is taken to a better place where he is safe from the suffering that he would otherwise have experienced.