In John Steinbeck’s novel “Of Mice and Men,” we are introduced to the two main characters, George and Lennie. Throughout Steinbeck’s novel, George and Lennie travel in search of work, with hopes that they will eventually own property of their own. With big dreams in mind, the two boys travel to work on a Ranch. Disability is displayed within Steinbeck’s novel and is mainly depicted within the character, Lennie. George, the leader of the two, has promised Lennie’s aunt that he will take care of Lennie. Although we are unsure what Lennie’s disability is, it is obvious that his IQ and maturity level are low. This can be seen with Lennie’s obsession with soft things. When he finds something with qualities that are soft, whether it be fabric, a woman’s skirt, or a dead mouse, Lennie strokes the item and becomes attached.
Having a tendency of saying and doing things that George deems he shouldn’t, Lennie is continuously quizzed by George on the way to the ranch. George tells Lennie that he is not allowed to speak when they arrive at the ranch, as he is worried, they will not get the job if he does so. Throughout their travels, we notice George’s level of frustration and irritation with Lennie and his disabilities. Feeling ashamed and not wanted, Lennie tells George that he will leave and find a cave to live in so that he is no longer an irritant to George. Guilty for his actions and harsh words towards Lennie, George insists that Lennie stay with him. The conversation and mood between the boys are lightened as they begin talking about their big goals. Throughout the novel, it becomes evident that Lennie’s main goal is to own and tend to rabbits, but in order for him to do so he must follow directions given by George.
When the boys finally arrive at the ranch, George speaks for both himself and Lennie. Lennie’s disability is further seen when Curley attempts to beat Lennie. Without a mean bone in his body, Lennie is unsure how to defend himself. When George tells him to fight back, initially Lennie struggles to do so. However, as he is encouraged further, he ends up severely hurting Curley. As we dive deeper into the novel, it becomes clear that the fight scene between Lennie and Curley was not beneficial for Lennie due to his disability. Although Lennie is not mean and would never hurt anyone or anything intentionally his strength leads to the death of both animals and people.
In the novel, John Steinbeck also displays disability through a man, known as Crooks. Crooks, an older, African American man, has a limp and is isolated due to his race. Due to being isolated, Crooks has a temper and becomes irritated when Lennie comes into his room. Our first impression of Crooks, as a mean, angry man, quickly shifts and it becomes evident that Crooks mood is based on the fact that he is lonely. Although Crooks has a physical disability, his disability lies deeper than what is seen, as he struggles internally with isolationism and loneliness. Steinbeck’s portrayal of disability is relatable to Mary Shelley’s novel, “Frankenstein.” Crooks character reminds me of the Creature in Mary Shelley’s novel and much like Crooks, the Creature is isolated due to his size and outward appearance. After being isolated and lonely for a long period of time, the two characters become angry and take their frustration out on others to make their point known.
I pledge: Samantha Rogers
Word Count: 585
