Tell about what were gonna have in the garden and about the rabbits in the cages and about the rain in the winter and the stove, and how thick the cream is on the milk like you can hardly cut it. Hes jes like a kid, aint he. Sure, hes jes like a kid. If we can get jus a few dollars in the poke well shove off and go up the American River and pan gold. WebLennie is discriminated against in this way because of how he is misunderstood. But the stable buck don't give a damn about that. He tells them he is the swamper, mopping and sweeping around the bunks and farmhouses. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 3. 1 | Summary & Quotes, 9th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, SAT Subject Test Literature: Tutoring Solution, HiSET Language Arts - Reading: Prep and Practice, Common Core ELA - Literature Grades 11-12: Standards, SAT Subject Test Literature: Practice and Study Guide, Common Core ELA Grade 8 - Language: Standards, 10th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, AP English Literature: Homeschool Curriculum, 9th Grade English Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, 12th Grade English Curriculum Resource & Lesson Plans, American Literature Syllabus Resource & Lesson Plans, Common Core ELA Grade 7 - Literature: Standards, Create an account to start this course today. Curley's wife enters the barn, and Crooks quickly persuades her to leave. Jesus Christ, youre a crazy bastard! I forgot, Lennie said softly. In the novel Of Mice And Men by John Steinbeck, many characters are unfairly oppressed. He is happy when george takes a drink. Curley's wife consoles him and says he can get another puppy. (p. 68) Discrimination is the treatment of a person based on the group, class, or category to which that person belongs. ", "Yeah. You never had none, you crazy bastard. An important additional theme is loneliness and companionship. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. You jus' stand there and don't say nothing. Were gonna go in an see the boss. | 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. Couldn we maybe bring him in an theyll lock him up? We might, he said. The names she calls Crook, Candy, and Lennie represent her prejudice towards blacks, the elderly, and people with disabilities. That is if they let him in on their dream to buy their own house. Jesus Christ! Discrimination is a major theme in Of Mice and Men. Aw, Lennie! George put his hand on Lennies shoulder. The guys wouldn't let him use his feet, so the n***** got him. Look, George. Below are some quotes from Crooks about his experience with discrimination. Theyll tie ya up with a collar, like a dog., This is just a n***** talkin, an a busted-back n*****. (2.15-17). I can go away any time. No look! The men on the ranch often use racial slurs and derogatory language to show their superiority. Curley knows about Lennie's lack of intelligence and decides to start hitting him. If he coulda used his feet, Smitty says he woulda killed the n*****. I aint wanted in the bunk house, and you aint wanted in my room." Crooks is not used to having the upper hand. Satiday night. After quite a bit of pressuring, at last Candy said sotly and hopelessly, Awright--take im (47). Curleys wife viciously attacks Crooks and threatens to have him hung, after he tells her she does not belong in his bunk and should leave. WebOf Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Lennie explains to George about the killing of the mice. ), She turned on him in scorn. Steinbeck uses this example to show how something useless should be destroyed, metaphorically showing the discrimination of Candy, Crooks, and Lennie. This's the first time I ever been in his room. The novella is a realistic representation of discrimination in society. I was jus foolin, Lennie. (4.39). Jus as soon as I cant swamp out no bunkhouses theyll put me on the country.(59) The people on the farm keep candy around mostly from pity having him do small cleaning jobs but its common fact that once he's completely useless the farm won't want him. They play cards in there, but I can't play because I'm black. Sure you could play horseshoes till it got dark, but then you got to read books. Les get outta here. Crooks uses the racial slurs of the white men to describe himself, to show how he is aware of how little he is respected. His language reveals the sexist between Curleys wife and the men on the ranch. As the story progresses, a theme of isolation, discrimination, and loneliness on Candy, Lennie, and Crooks is revealed. He was an older man that lived in the bunk house, who lost his hand in a work accident. If them other guys gets in jail they can rot for all anybody gives a damn. Curleys wife is often misunderstood similar to Lennie. He tells Lennie he cannot play cards or go to the bunkhouse because he is black. In John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, there are many example of prejudice. For Example Lennie lumbered to his feet and disappeared in the brush. Some of the most clearly shown examples in John Steinbecks novel Of Mice and Men are gender, age and racial discrimination. "Sure. If he finds out what a crazy bastard you are, we wont get no job, but if he sees ya work before he hears ya talk, were set., George patted a wrinkle out of his bed, and sat down. For he knows that if the boss learns of Lennies disability, neither of them will get jobs. The novel titled, Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, derives from the poem, To a Mouse, written by Robert Burns in the 18th century. It aint the same if I tell it. A guy goes nuts if he aint got nobody. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. WebI wont have no place to go, an I cant get no more jobs.. After the mens game of horseshoes, Carlson complains about how good Crooks plays. Entire Document, Discrimination in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, Crooks: A Black Stable Buck with the American Dream Book Analysis, Of Mice And Men: Alienation & Discrimination, Discrimination in Of Mice and Men Chapter 3 summary, A Major Difference Between the Movie Of Mice and Men and the Book Analysis, Of Mice and Men- How Does Steinbeck Show Loneliness in of Mice and Men. Friendship in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Theme & Examples, Crooks in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Quotes & Themes, The American Dream in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Theme & Analysis, Curley's Wife in Of Mice & Men | Quotes, Description & Personality, Allusions in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Analysis & Examples, Characterization in Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck | Traits & Analysis, Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck: Ch. Hes nuts, Slim. But not us. Lennie broke in. Discrimination affects the characters of Of Mice and Men through crooks being called the N word, Curleys wife being portrayed as a slut/tramp, and Lennie being treated and seen as a dumb oaf. To add on to this, Candy is also fairly isolated whether from his age or not it causes him to be an outcast, this is seen when he talks with George, "I gotta think about. WebLennie cant fathom racial prejudice. George is like a parental figure to Lennie, who acts like a child playing hide and seek games. A big guy like you! Lennies lip quivered and tears started in his eyes. 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). The small man stepped nervously beside him. Slim is another migrant worker who acts as a voice of reason in the surrounding injustice. You can form opinions without having to get the facts. This quote, once said by E. B. In chapter one, Steinbeck shows how those with disabilities are misunderstood, mistreated, and discriminated against. Slim is the only character who shows respect for Crooks. Another major theme is male friendship. Steinbeck purposely does not give her a name to show the little value of a woman's worth. Curleys wife thirsts for attention from the men because she herself is desperately lonely. And then she was still, for Lennie had broken her neck (Steinbeck 91). George had to take responsibility for Lennie and did not want to see him suffer. Theys gonna be a bad mess about her. Ya see the stable bucks a n****r. N****r, huh? Yeah. 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. lessons in math, English, science, history, and more. But his anger always fades when he realizes Lennie is handicapped and his compassion for Lennie overtakes him. Strong as a bull, he repeated. George has taken on the role of father to the simple, childlike Lennie who likes to catch mice and pet them. An spose they lock him up an strap him down and put him in a cage. Lennie cant fathom racial prejudice. Weve already seen he doesnt have a lot of the societal niceties down (like when to pet girls and when not to pet girls), but its actually pretty interesting that Lennie doesnt think of Crooks as being different from himself. An he aint no good to himself. Candy also plays a big part in the book; when he speaks you would consider him the narrator, this is because he is the source were George and Lennie are getting information about the ranch; The swamper warmed to his gossip for that reason he is the gossiper. But since she is married she isnt allowed to talk to anybody but Curley or shell be accused of being a flirt or a tart. Later on, when Candy and George were talking, Candy says "You seen what they done to my dog tonight? The men at the ranch all believe that she tries to seduce them and then the boss would fire them. We can make maybe a couple of dollars a day there, and we might hit a pocket. Lennie leaned eagerly toward him. His calm eyes followed Lennie out of the door. Lennie is a guy who is often misjudged by his size in Of Mice and Men. Curleys wife is only allowed to talk to Curley and always feels lonely because of it. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 2. Lennie, Curleys wife, and Crooks are all misunderstood and discriminated against because of it. I was only foolin, George. And now there aint a colored man on this ranch an theres jus one family in Soledad., Want me to tell ya whatll happen? JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. Lennie asked. George says with disdain after first meeting Curley?s wife, the newly married young woman living on the ranch. As a member, you'll also get unlimited access to over 88,000 Maybe you guys better go. Cause Im black. WebTop Lennie Being Discriminated Quotes. The readers learn the two men left their last job in a hurry. Marguerite Gardiner once stated Prejudices are the chains forged by ignorance to keep men apart (Gardiner). One can infer from reading the story that she is not looking for attention from another man, she is simply looking for someone to talk to. He doesnt even remember the wrong he did in Weed, where he was accused of raping a girl after feeling her dress and not letting go. Lennie is mentally handicapped and because of this, the men on the ranch often refer to him as a crazy bastard. So you forgot that awready, did you? Chapter 3 - George confides in Slim about how Lennie keeps getting into trouble. Wealthier people dont have to worry about money as often, so they experience life a little bit easier. We see here the kind and considerate side to Lennie and he shows appreciation of his friend George. Even though slavery has been abolished, African Americans dont have equal rights. He knows Lennie lacks self-control and understanding of his actions. Segregation was prominent in the 1930s, which meant he could not live, sleep, or eat with the white ranch workers. Steinbeck shows how easily someone was discriminated against in the 1930s. Below is a summary of each chapter and the racial aspects. Some of the most clearly shown examples in John Steinbecks novel Of Mice and Men are gender, age and racial discrimination. Crooks was a victim of the most common part of discrimination; racism. George loses patience with and verbally abuses Lennie for asking the same question over and over again. She is often described as a tart or far worse to emphasize the little respect women received during this time. This quote clearly shows how Candy knows that he will soon be of no use to anyone, and that because of his age he will not ever be able to get a job anywhere else, and it almost seems like getting show would be a preferable alternative to wandering, like Candy. Lennie is jes like a kid. Discrimination is demonstrated in Of Mice and Men many times throughout the book with Lennie, Curleys wife, and Crooks. George threatens Lennie, his mentally disabled friend. But the relationship is a bit like a master and his dog, with George sometimes being very mean to Lennie, and then again very sympathetic. Yes sir. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. George also contributes to accusing Curleys wife of being a tart, by stating, In this quotation, George is warning Lennie to stay away from her. Lennie is often excluded from nights out or things the other men are doing. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 2, George and Candy talk about Crooks. The average student has to read dozens of books per year. Candy looks upon Curleys wife as inferior to him because she is a woman, and a young woman at that. Although Curley's wife is just as racist toward Crooks as the other workers, she also experiences a level of discrimination. You have girls. Even though George cares about Lennie, he expresses how frustrating it is to look after someone so dumb. Discrimination is displayed in many ways in the book, especially with the characters of Lennie, Crooks, Curleys wife, and Candy. After she tells this to Lennie, he tries to tell her that George told him not to talk to her because she was trouble. Little skinner name of Smitty took after the n*****. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 2. Crooks on a black mans loneliness with nobody to talk to because he is so secluded from the social circle. The guys said on account of the n*****'s got a crooked back, Smitty can't use his feet." He aint much of a talker, is he? No, he aint, but hes sure a hell of a good worker. Steinbeck provides a glimpse of the racial elements during the 1930s through character descriptions, actions, and dialogue. "That ranch we're goin' to is right down there about a quarter mile. I never knew till long later why he didnt like that. 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. The situation shows how Crooks is not respected as a man and is used as a spectacle for entertainment. 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. People discriminated against because of their differences and how they dont fit in. Whatever you say, "it don't mean nothing." Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. While Crooks is isolated because he is black, white people like Candy are also alienated from black people. Below are some quotes on how Curley's wife is described reflecting the sexist discrimination. Most of the ranch workers display their feelings of racism against the only black worker, Crooks. I wisht I could put you in a cage with about a million mice an let you have fun. His anger left him suddenly. There he is treated in a very demeaning manner by the ranch hands. They run us outa Weed, he exploded triumphantly. For he knows that if the boss learns of Lennies disability, neither of them will get jobs. They was so little, he said apologetically. Migrant workers, unlike Lennie and George, primarily travel alone, and they go from job to job. I might of knew, he said gently. This highlights the lack of understanding people had for those with a mentality disability like Lennie. Chapter 4- All the ranch workers have gone into town, and Lennie is left in the barn with his puppy. George often gets angry with Lennie because the physically very strong Lennie cannot control himself. George said brusquely, Well he aint now. If he aint, I guess I better look someplace else, she said playfully. Steinbeck illustrates how the characters respond to discrimination, male friendship, as well as loneliness and companionship. In the world of the ranch, there are a lot of disadvantages to being crippled, black, mentally handicapped, or female. For example, when Curley attacked Lennie, Lennie grabbed onto Curleys hand and held on. In of Mice and Men the main characters have different levels of struggles. George and Lennie. George is already concerned that Curley's wife will be an issue. Discrimination shapes a way a person acts around other people. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. (And, we have to ask: do you think Steinbeck is making a point by having the black man speak "darkly"? If he hadnt been seen as a vulnerable person then Candy could have stopped them from killing his dog. George snapped his fingers sharply and Lennie laid the mouse in his hand. Her desire to converse is perceived as flirtatious. You bindle bums think youre so damn good. The boss makes Crooks the whipping boy of the ranch and lashes out at him whenever he is angry. To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. But the stable buck dont give a damn about that.. Weve already seen he doesnt have a lot of the societal niceties down (like when to pet girls and when not to pet girls), but its actually All rights reserved. Most of the characters are discriminated against for various reasons. Below are several quotes which reflect the racism on the ranch. 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. This chapter provides detailed character descriptions and their backgrounds. Candy and his dog was Quite similar to George and Lennie, thats because Lennie aint much good to George but Lennie has lived with him for a long time and is also his only friend, the same with Candy as said by Carlson He aint no good to you, Candy. We dont have to sit in no bar room blowin in our jack jus because we got no place else to go. What this means is that people are not truth to themselves so they have to reform in bullying and discriminating each other. But Slim understands Lennies fate and that there will be no trial or mercy or for Lennie. Chapter 1- The audience is introduced to George and Lennie, two migrant workers on their way to a job at a new ranch. Crooks is discriminated against because he is the only black man on the ranch. Curley is a small man who constantly tries to show off and act tough. Candy is a worker on the farm who is both old and disabled, missing a hand and acknowledges his disadvantage by saying, I aint good with ony one handtheyll can me purty soon. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Carlson is another ranch hand with a tough attitude. In the novella, Of Mice and Men, the readers are following the life of Lennie and George, who are migrant workers during the Great Depression. Lennie asked. He gives the men power over him by being overly careful in what he does and says, because if he gets thrown out from the ranch, no one would take him. Slim appears to be encouraging George to carry out a mercy killing of Lennie. Curleys wife, on the other hand, is not insecure, but suffers from ostracism and isolation because she is a married woman. Discrimination is still a problem today. If he pinches their heads, they'll survive. She has experience teaching in both a private and public education setting, in addition to almost three years experience teaching in a completely digital environment. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Candy tells George how Crooks was allowed to enter the bunkhouse at Christmas time when the boss bought a gallon of whiskey for the men. Crooks lives in the barn away from the rest of the ranch workers and sleeps in a makeshift shed on a bed of straw under a window, with a pile of manure outside. He also incorporates the idea of the American Dream, and how every character has their own vision of it. She started to scream, which made Lennie panic. Crooks to Lennie. George said, If I see him, Ill pass the word you was looking for him. She smiled archly and twitched her body. Candy was seen as old and disabled and not capable of performing certain jobs. While the men are playing cards, they are interrupted by Curley looking for his wife. Discrimination if often based on many qualities and abilities. WebDiscrimination plays a large role to feeling lonely. George patted a wrinkle out of his bed, and sat down. The social gap between blacks and white is still very apparent. Lennie is allowed to enter Crooks' room due to the similarity of their circumstances. The saying respect the older than you wasnt treated well at that time however, is now. He is weak because his not a complete man, and if he can't work on the farm, 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. Got books in his room." We think it might just be good sense. Behind him walked his opposite, a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. I seen things out here. Discrimination have been happening everywhere in the world and as long as anyone can remember. Not jus one, neither. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Throughout the novel, these three characters face many hardships because they are harshly judged and often misunderstood. Lennie interrupts their conversation as he comes in from the barn; Slim has given Lennie one of his puppies. Steinbeck chooses not to provide a name for Curley's wife to show the little respect given to women. But he's still pinching their heads, and he's still basically torturing the animals that he's supposed to be looking after. Done pretty good, too. She got the eye goin all the time on everybody I dont know what the hell she wants (Steinbeck 51). 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. succeed. When he tells Lennie about the rabbits he will get to tend, George shoots him in the back of the head. Later in the story, Lennies incredible strength causes two deaths, first he kills a puppy and then Curleys wife. (4.116-117). Michael Meyer points out, the hardship for a woman to live on the ranch as presented in the novel should not be ignored. But should George, who keeps dragging Lennie around with him, have taken some action before the big guy wound up killing someone? I remember about the rabbits, George. The hell with the rabbits. 2023 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. The only thing worse than being a woman on the ranch is being a black man. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. The guys wouldnt let him use his feet, so the n***** got him. Muriel Rukeyser, I am satisfied that all politicians were meant to be journalists and all journalists meant to be politicians." When Lennie accidentally killed Curleys wife, Curley didnt understand Lennie and the circumstances that were in the event. When Curley's wife enters and threatens to accuse Crooks of rape, his hope quickly dwindles. WebA lot of characters are discriminated against in Of Mice and Men but prove it wrong in the end. He innocently grabs the material of a woman's dress on the last farm to feel the fabric, but she believes he has other intentions. This aint no good place. Curly just wanted to shoot him in the stomach and make him suffer. The novel is set in the rural Salinas valleys of California. Nobody cant blame a person for lookin, she said. Nice fella tooThe boss gives him hell when hes mad. Segregation was used throughout the country as a racial divide, which is why Crooks lives alone in the barn. An why? I want to wake up and enjoy every sunrise with you and vanish into your hand at the sunset of my life. He reads a lot. Whatta they think I am, anyways? Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Lastly, Lennie is mentally handicap so he discriminated against because of that. Lennie asks George to tell him about their dream farm, as they spend a night in the open air in the woods by the river before starting work at the ranch. Interpretations of quotes are very simplistic as this course is not designed to teach interpretations, it is simply a memory tool. He said gently, GeorgeI aint got mine. They begin to antagonize Curley, and a fight ensues between Curley and Lennie. Society treats Curley 's Wife poorly because she is a woman, Crooks because he is black and Lennie because he is disabled. Lonely and flirtatious, she is discriminated against by the men, who are contemptuous of her and wont engage in conversation with her for fear of being fired. Lennie didnt let go of her dress only because the womans screaming frightened him. But because he cant control his own strength, Lennie accidentally kills the pet mice that he hides from George inside his pockets. I dont want no ketchup. But they wont do nothing like that. They also meet other people that have to overcome their own setbacks. The main types of prejudice shown in this novel are racial, sexual and social prejudice. While George and Lennie dressed the same, thats where the similarities end. Both were dressed in denim trousers and in denim coats with brass buttons. Lennie watched them go. Aint I got a right to talk to nobody? This affected the story by making the audience really sad when they killed his dog. He reassures him of their special relationship and that they will look after each other no matter what happens. I dont care what she says and what she does. Some characters include: Crooks, Curleys wife, and Candy. The victim of gender discrimination is Curley's wife because she is a woman. His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 5. Curleys wife, Lennie, and Crooks all deal with prejudice against themselves different ways. What are two examples showing how Lennie is discriminated against because of his disability in the book Of Mice and Men? One example of Lennie being discriminated against because of his mental disability takes place when Curley views him as an easy target and vents his rage by punching Lennie in the face. 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. Strong as a bull. Lennie smiled to himself. (2.22), Yikes. Just remember, someday you might be asking for forgiveness. The two men develop relationships with the other ranch workers while battling the arrogant attitude of Curley. Lennie was worried after he killed the puppy because he thought George wasnt going to let him tend to the rabbits when they bought the farm. ), "You go on get outta my room. Since 2005, she has taught literature, writing, and philosophy courses at the university and graduate levels. Racism was a prominent attitude during the 1930s. Crooks has fun teasing Lennie because the men always give him a hard time. He [Curley] stood crying, his fist lost is Lennies paw Lennie is a hard worker and George knows if he is given a chance to show that, his disabilities might be overlooked by the boss. His problem is, he does not know of his own strength and does not know how to control it in certain cases, especially when he is frightened. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. The story revolves around and Lennie and George, two workers who travel together. I aint sure I want you in here no more. A migrant worker once beat him for entertainment. She looked at her fingers. I tell ya I could of went with shows. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. "Listen, N*****," she said. Books aint no good. It's a shame that none of the other charactersexcept maybe Lennieseem to see that. Lennie is asking George to drink plenty of water even after George yelled at him for drinking too fast. Crooks is made to sleep alone in the barn, with the animals and segregated from everyone else. He would never actually leave him, but his rants about wanting a life of his own symbolize his feelings of isolation. One can clearly see where sexism comes into play here; he not only called her a brutal name that has deceived her, but assumes that she will get them into trouble because she seems like a, People discriminate because they are insecure of themselves. Chapter 6 - As the lynch mob is searching the grounds of the ranch and surrounding area, George finds Lennie by the pond. Steinbeck shows the realities of the time and the struggle characters face through discrimination. Blubberin like a baby! Jesus, we had fun. They was lookin for us, but they didnt catch us. Lennie giggled happily.
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