He is used feeling weak and vulnerable himself. WebFirstly, the most obvious form of discrimination is skin color. He accuses Slim of being in the barn with her, though none of them had seen her. America just had protests dealing with Black Lives Matter and African Americans feel they are still discriminated against and treated differently. Analyze how the following characters are discriminated against in the novel: - Crooks - Lennie - Curley's Wife 2. They also meet other people that have to overcome their own setbacks. One of those things is to deal with discrimination. Examine racism in ''Of Mice and Men'' by John Steinbeck. It is a good book with a great hook and ends with an unexpected bang. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. He would be confined to a psychiatric hospital, where he would suffer cruel and degrading treatments. I could get along so easy and so nice if I didnt have you on my tail. The three men agree to purchase the place together, hoping for a better life. White, excellently states what the novel, Of Mice and Men, is trying to clearly state. Though Terri Beth loves books and writing of all kinds, her heart lies especially with British Victorian and Modernist literature, as well as the novels of Virginia Woolf, George Eliot, the Bronte sisters, and, to mix things up a bit, Salman Rushdie! Before Lennie and George got to the farm, we were told that Crooks was kicked in the back by a horse and because he was a black stable worker, he not taken to the doctor. George advises Lennie to avoid trouble and stay away from Curley's wife. Shes a jail bait all set on the trigger. But Slim understands Lennies fate and that there will be no trial or mercy or for Lennie. I seen things out here. The 1930s was a time period in which discrimination played a vital role in the lives of minorities. He leaves the barn and runs to the pond where George told him to hide if he gets in trouble. Prejudice creates barriers for people with different backgrounds, which makes it harder for people to communicate with each other. And a manure pile under the window. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. 6 chapters | I know there aint. But childlike Lennie is so innocent, he doesnt even get mad. Lennie's Discrimination - 1840 Words | Bartleby George has to take care of his big, special friend Lennie, he keeps his bus ticket and work card, because he knows Lennie would lose them. "That ranch we're goin' to is right down there about a quarter mile. He tells Lennie he cannot play cards or go to the bunkhouse because he is black. Theyll tie ya up with a collar, like a dog (Steinbeck 72). Of Mice and Men, Chapter 2. But the stable buck don't give a damn about that. I got both of em here. In John Steinbecks novel Of Mice and Men characters in the novel are segregated by sex, race, age, physical and mental disabilities. Racism and prejudice works two ways. In the novel Of Mice and Men, author John Steinbeck reflects on the prejudice that even still plagues modern times. 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. So when Candy or anybody on the farm tries to bully Lennie, it is because he is different from them and he is not the same as anybody else. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Crooks is a negro stable buck and represents discrimination of race. Curley knows about Lennie's lack of intelligence and decides to start hitting him. Candy looks upon Curleys wife as inferior to him because she is a woman, and a young woman at that. Now, lookI'll give him the work tickets, but you ain't gonna say a word. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. ", Crooks said darkly, "Guys don't come into a colored man's room very much." Create your account. The novella is a realistic representation of discrimination in society. George always knew that Lennie never did anything bad out of meanness and that is why he Maybe if he sees somethin, he dont know whether its right or not. But he doesnt know his own strength and when he pets mice usually ends up killing them. 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. Discrimination is a problem that plagues those whose qualities are vulnerable. Because of disabilities, they are the weakness on which the stronger majority of the other men prey upon. An have rabbits. Of Mice and Men Chapter 4 Quotes Flashcards | Quizlet Too much of a stretch? Crooks is discriminated against because he is the only black man on the ranch. WebLennie was just sitting there listening to her and he didnt say anything that couldve made her upset. Lennie doesnt have hands, he has paws, as Steinbeck compares him to an animal. This speaks to the racial divide then in America. George scowled at him, and Lennie dropped his head in shame at having forgotten. Candy tells the two men about others living on the ranch, one of whom is a black stable buck named Crooks. George tells Lennie not to speak to the boss. Run us out, hell, said George disgustedly. Racial segregation, gender rights, and handicap vulnerability are all problems in Of Mice and Men that reflect the society at the time. Of Mice and Men Prejudice Quotes - AllGreatQuotes Whatever you say, "it don't mean nothing." You never had none, you crazy bastard. Steinbeck illustrates how the characters respond to discrimination, male friendship, as well as loneliness and companionship. He said gently, GeorgeI aint got mine. He didnt know why then, but now he does. Maybe hes showin off for his wife., Don?t you even take a look at that bitch. Whatta they think I am, anyways? Hes jes like a kid, aint he. Sure, hes jes like a kid. Why aint you wanted? Lennie asked. Hi, Slim, she said. Les go, George. 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. They hope to make it big, get rich, and buy some land for themselves. Chapter 6 - As the lynch mob is searching the grounds of the ranch and surrounding area, George finds Lennie by the pond. One way more than the other but everyone has to do things and deal with things that they dont want to do. How I get to tend the rabbits., Lennie if you jus happen to get in trouble like you always done before, I want you to come right here an hide in the brushHide in the brush till I come for you.. Crooks on human rights. The story follows two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Smalls, during The Great Depression. ka on Twitter: "RT @silksofbohemia: Since people still love & want The guys said on account of the n*****'s got a crooked back, Smitty can't use his feet." Discrimination and Prejudice Racial Steinbeck uses the main characters personalities to show how people were affected during the Great Depression. He looked across the fire at Lennies anguished face, and then he looked ashamedly at the flames. Crooks suggests to Lennie that if George doesnt come back from town life would be catastrophic for Lennie. Lennie is asking George to drink plenty of water even after George yelled at him for drinking too fast. Id pet em, and pretty soon they bit my fingers and I pinched their heads a little and then they was dead because they was so little. Curleys wife, Crooks, and Candy are discriminated against on the ranch just like they would be in society. "[The boss gave] the stable buck hell?" While the men are playing cards, they are interrupted by Curley looking for his wife. They got no family. Ranch with a bunch of guys on it aint no place for a girl, specially like her., You go on get outta my room. Nice fella tooThe boss gives him hell when hes mad. Steinbeck shows how easily someone was discriminated against in the 1930s. WebCrooks also has some power over Lennie due to his mental disability, but also is defensive out of fear, due to mistreatment from other ranch workers) "His tone was a little more friendly" Section 4 P 101 (Crooks relaxes due him realising he has power over Lennie, and how Lennie isn't as much of a threat to him as other ranch workers. One evening, George and Lennie discuss plans to buy their ranch. 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. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. 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. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. An he was dead (Steinbeck 87). Crooks uses the racial slurs of the white men to describe himself, to show how he is aware of how little he is respected. This is shown when Curleys wife shuts him down in a conversation, Listen nigger. Yes, maam. Well, you keep your place then, N*****. Segregation was prominent in the 1930s, which meant he could not live, sleep, or eat with the white ranch workers. Sexism was a very prominant part of 1930s America and led to the mistreatment of women such as Curleys wife. Enrolling in a course lets you earn progress by passing quizzes and exams. Slim is another migrant worker who acts as a voice of reason in the surrounding injustice. (We will point out that he doesn't ever use Crooks' name, however. Steinbeck chooses not to provide a name for Curley's wife to show the little respect given to women. She parades her power over the men because she herself feels weak. Candy overhears the conversation and promises to give them all his earnings if they let him join them. ", "Yeah. He is disrupted first by Lennie and then Candy and doesn't want to let them in because he believes their prejudice will contaminate his space. Although the 1930s seems pretty far back, discrimination still occurs in society today and can either be intentional or nonintentional. Nice fella too. This shows just how bad Candy wants to get out of that ranch and that he will do anything to not be lonely. He got nothing to measure by. Curly just wanted to shoot him in the stomach and make him suffer. The men on the ranch ignore her and never want anything to do with her because she is Curleys wife and Curley gets angry quickly, especially when it involves his wife. The guys wouldn't let him use his feet, so the n***** got him. Though a big man, Lennie is like a child. When she is in the barn with Lennie she said to him, Whas the matter with me? Migrant workers, unlike Lennie and George, primarily travel alone, and they go from job to job. (1.44). Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. Candy was seen as old and disabled and not capable of performing certain jobs. They dressed identically and had much in common because of their close friendship. Crooks is discriminated for When the ranch workers and Curley find Curley's wife dead in the barn, they gather a lynch mob to find Lennie. Got books in his room." The kind of mental problems Lennie had were not understood at that time. In the novella Steinbeck romanticizes and idealizes male friendships. Candy immediately uses derogatory language to describe Crooks. This highlights the lack of understanding people had for those with a mentality disability like Lennie. This chapter provides detailed character descriptions and their backgrounds. For Example Lennie lumbered to his feet and disappeared in the brush. Lennie breaks Curley's hand, but the men make up a fake story, so George and Lennie do not get fired. I never knew till long later why he didnt like that. The issues in the novel illustrates the routine and frustrations in the lifestyle of a nomadic migrant worker. The guys wouldnt let him use his feet, so the n***** got him. She is as discriminated against as Crooks, Candy, and Lennie. When George and Lennie first arrive at the ranch, they meet Candy, who tells them how Crooks was beaten one Christmas by another worker. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. Thiss the first time I ever been in his room. Crooks said darkly, Guys dont come into a colored mans room very much., Awright, she said contemptuously. Nobody cant blame a person for lookin, she said. Lennie may be a good worker, but is it really discrimination not to want to hire a "crazy bastard," or is it just good sense? Crooks is angry that Lennie has barged into his room when he cannot go into the bunkhouse. An Crooks been here a long time. That Curley got his work cut out for him. Most of the characters are discriminated against for various reasons. Copyright 2023 Famous Quotes & Sayings. In this novella, Crooks is the symbol of 1930s racism and prejudice. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. We got a future. But not us. Lennie broke in. (4.76-77), Prejudice works both ways: Crooks may be isolated because of his skin color, but the white guys might also be missing out on a good friend. You jus stand there and dont say nothing. Satiday night. That is if they let him in on their dream to buy their own house. 6 | Summary, Analysis & Quotes, Foreshadowing in Of Mice and Men: Examples & Quotes, Slim from Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Quotes & Character Qualities, Candy in Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Quotes & Personality Traits, Of Mice & Men by John Steinbeck: Ch. Dont make no difference who the guy is, longs hes with you. Crooks Discrimination Quotes - 510 Words | Cram Crooks has fun teasing Lennie because the men always give him a hard time. Were gonna go in an see the boss. The next punch Curley threw, Lennie caught it and squeezed Curley's hand. Where we goin, George? The little man jerked down the brim of his hat and scowled over at Lennie. These are all examples from the characters of discrimination both in Of Mice and Men and real life. He tells them he is the swamper, mopping and sweeping around the bunks and farmhouses. Chapter 3 - George confides in Slim about how Lennie keeps getting into trouble. The two men develop relationships with the other ranch workers while battling the arrogant attitude of Curley. Later in the story, Lennies incredible strength causes two deaths, first he kills a puppy and then Curleys wife. I didnt forget that, you bet., God, youre a lot of trouble, said George. She has a Bachelors of Science from Indiana Universitys Kelley School of Business, completed a transition to teaching program in Secondary English Education from Indiana Wesleyan University receiving Indiana state teaching certifications, and has a Masters of Arts in Secondary Education from Ball State University. I gotta tell you again, do I? They play cards in there, but I cant play because Im black. Wealthier people dont have to worry about money as often, so they experience life a little bit easier. Just remember, someday you might be asking for forgiveness. They begin to antagonize Curley, and a fight ensues between Curley and Lennie. 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. WebLennie is rejected by everyone at the ranch, except George, because of his mental disability (Of Mice and Men 248). Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Its like a teacher waved a magic wand and did the work for me. WebTop Lennie Being Discriminated Quotes. This is to blame to his mental Of Mice and Men: Discrimination | FreebookSummary The victims of these types of discrimination are Curleys wife, who is unhappy and bitter about her life, Candy, the old, disabled swamper and Crooks, the black stable buck. You take a good big drink. He smiled happily. And just for that reason, he is drawn into George and Lennie?s dream of owning a farm. She threatens him and says she can accuse him of raping her. (A THREAD). Below are some quotes from Crooks about his experience with discrimination. But because he cant control his own strength, Lennie accidentally kills the pet mice that he hides from George inside his pockets. We aint got nothing to say to you at all. All rights reserved. The first man was small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. But I know now. He hesitated, and when he spoke again his voice was softer. I dont know why I cant talk to you. Done pretty good, too. Many creatures do not survive Lennies grasp. From black people to white people, to the old and the young, almost every person was discriminated against in some way during the depression and even today. George was small, Lennie on the other hand was huge. In Of Mice and Men, intolerance is a important topic, because during that time period it this discrimination of minorities was socially acceptable as opposed to currently where we believe that intolerance has no place in our society. Curley's wife is a weak character; the only power she has is threatening those with a disability or a person of color to control the situation. An why? When Curley's wife enters and threatens to accuse Crooks of rape, his hope quickly dwindles. He was considered a swamper, the man who cleans the bunkhouse. Curley mistreats her, and she dreams of becoming a movie star. Lennies eyes moved down over her body, and though she didnt seem to be looking at Lennie she bridled a little. Most of the characters in Of Mice and Men reflect racism. An spose they lock him up an strap him down and put him in a cage. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 3. Lennie tells George about his dream of having rabbits. Candy and his dog are a symbol of how the old, disabled, or infirmed are not valued in society nor are they wanted. 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. Finally, Lennie is discriminated against in Of Mice and Men because he is mentally Because of this, he was more likely to lose his job. 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. "An' Crooks been here a long time. Little skinner name of Smitty took after the n*****. In Depression era, people discriminated African-American people by using derogatory terms, physically assaulting them and limiting their socialization. George knew what had happened and understood, but in the end decided to kill him painlessly to protect him. George shoots Lennie so he does not have to suffer at the hands of the lynch mob. Cause Im black. Steinbeck provides a glimpse of the racial elements during the 1930s through character descriptions, actions, and dialogue. This shows the relationship between George and Lennie. George really cares for him and there is a strong bond between them. Since he was never taken to a doctor, his back was permanently crooked, therefore the name crooks. 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. We think it might just be good sense. When George washes his face, Lennie mimics him exactly. She is just lonely, however, she chose to live like that to try to get away from her problems The last example of discrimination is from Crooks. More specifically, three of these characters experience loneliness from acts of discrimination. If some guy was with me, he could tell me I was asleep, an then it would be all right. Lennie asked. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 1. Aint I got a right to talk to nobody? The three are startled to see Curley's wife standing in the doorway. If we could keep Curley in, we might, But Curleys gonna want to shoot im. Little skinner name of Smitty took after the n*****. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. There aint no more harm in him than a kid neither, except hes so strong (Steinbeck 43). Curley's wife consoles him and says he can get another puppy. She is often described as a tart or far worse to emphasize the little respect women received during this time. | Privacy Policy Muriel Rukeyser, I am satisfied that all politicians were meant to be journalists and all journalists meant to be politicians." Lennie is often excluded from nights out or things the other men are doing. Becausebecause I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you, and thats why., An live off the fatta the lan, Lennie shouted. Since 2005, she has taught literature, writing, and philosophy courses at the university and graduate levels. Candy, the one handed housekeeper, is only allowed to live at the ranch as a compensation, because the loss of his hand occurred there. 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. You got it in your hand. Lennis has no concept of consequences. Lennie watched her, fascinated. Lennie and George. The men on the ranch do not realize the strength that Lennie has until he breaks Curleys hand and ends up killing Curleys wife. Lennie didnt mean to kill the puppy, he explained that he was jus playin with him an he made like hes gonna bite me an I made like I was gonna smack him an an I done it. - Description & Quotes, Working Scholars Bringing Tuition-Free College to the Community. Steinbeck shows the realities of the time and the struggle characters face through discrimination. Discrimination is still a problem today. With the conditions old people faced it meant it was much tougher for them people to get jobs. Factors contributing to their loneliness include ageism, disability discrimination, and racism. She sees Lennie alone and acting a bit strange. They were treated like maids, toys, and like a statue. Carlson says his gun is missing and that Lennie must have it. I aint doin no harm to you. All the men head into the bunkhouse for the night after a long day of work. He never done this to be mean. Slim nodded. 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. And Crooks said, Sure. George acts like a parent to Lennie, who looks up to him as a role model. Steinbeck shows how easily someone was discriminated against in the 1930s. Curley makes a racist remark toward Crooks and tells Carlson to take his gun. Lennie Small in Of Mice and Theyll tie ya up with a collar, like a dog., This is just a n***** talkin, an a busted-back n*****. George has taken responsibility for Lennie because he knew Lennie's Aunt Clara. Curley's wife enters the barn, and Crooks quickly persuades her to leave. You have a great life.' It aint the same if I tell it. copyright 2003-2023 Study.com. But Curley's wife doesn't feel any solidarity with Crooks: she just sees him as the one guy she can pick on instead of try to pick up. When Candy and Lennie begin discussing their hopes of buying a farm together, Crooks realizes he may also have some hope for a better life. If we can get jus a few dollars in the poke well shove off and go up the American River and pan gold. Of Mice and Men, Chapter 4. WebRT @silksofbohemia: Since people still love & want to support the idea of Monica Barbaro as Joan Baez, Ive compiled quotes of Joan speaking on being discriminated against as a child for her skin color. WebLennies foolishness often allows him to speak honestly where others wont, and he sometimes taps into things that "normal" people cant (like the fact that the ranch isnt a good place for him and George to be hanging out). That ranch were goin to is right down there about a quarter mile. Chapter 4- All the ranch workers have gone into town, and Lennie is left in the barn with his puppy. Symbolism, Allegory, & Imagery in Of That ranch were goin to is right down there about a quarter mile.