Of Mice And Men Inequality Analysis

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In Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck conveys the inequality which existed in American society during Great Depression. Discuss how this is shown. The theme of inequality is conveyed by Steinbeck in Of Mice and Men through many characters and contexts. Inequality is evident through Lennie, Curley’s wife, Crooks and Candy in the forms of prejudice against mental disability, sexism, racism and ageism respectively. Steinbeck conveys inequality mainly through Lennie. He is often distinguished from the crowd because of his mental disability and physical structure since he is very big. Lennie is cared for by George and sometimes even controlled. For example, Lennie is not allowed to speak when they first meet their boss at the ranch, George says to Lennie ‘” So you wasn’t gonna say a word”’ (p.25) or when he…show more content…
She is simply spoken to and referred to as ‘Curley’s wife’. Just calling her Curley’s wife suggests that Curley is in control of their relationship and, therefore, she is not regarded as an individual in her own right. Curley often goes to the bunkhouse and asks if anyone has seen his wife; she goes around the ranch looking for some company because Curley does not communicate with her, Curley says “’You seen a girl around here? … What the hell was she doin?”’. Curley’s wife also mentions that she married Curley not of her will. She said, ‘“Nother time I met a guy, an’ he was in pitchers … He says he was gonna put me in the movies … soon’s he got back to Hollywood he was gonna write back to me … I never got that letter. I always thought my ol’ lady stole it Well I wasn’t gonna stay no place where I couldn’t or make something of myself., an’ where they stole letters. So I married Curley…”’ (p. 87). She is used as an example of women at the time of the Great Depression who did not have a choice as to whom they
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