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Of Mice and Men (Characters (George (George's character changes…
Of Mice and Men
Characters
George
George is impatient with Lennie and his tone is very terse and harsh, however he is committed to protecting Lennie
George's character changes throughout the course of the story - he admitted to Slim that he once abused Lennie for his own amusement, and realises that he should not take advantage of the weak
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By shooting Lennie, George spares his friend the merciless death that would be delivered by Curley, but he also puts to rest his own dream of a perfect, fraternal world.
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George repeatedly gets angry at Lennie because he cannot control his strengths or actions. But George's anger quickly fades when he remembers Lennie's innocence and his inability to remember or think clearly.
Lennie
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Lennie's greatest feeling of security is by petting soft things. Society as a whole would disapprove of what he is doing, but he doesn't see anything wrong in it
Crooks
Like Curley’s wife, Crooks is a disempowered character who turns his vulnerability into a weapon to attack those who are even weaker.
Crooks is a character used to show the effects of discrimination, particularly race. Racial discrimination is part of the microcosm Steinbeck describes in his story.
Considering Curley's wife is also a discriminated character, yet still has the power to threaten to lynch Crooks if he talks back, shows just how discriminated Crooks is - someone else just like him has power over him as well
Crooks exhibits the corrosive effects that loneliness can have on a person; his character evokes sympathy as the origins of his cruel behaviour are made evident. Crooks scares Lennie and makes up the story of George leaving him.
Prejudice isn't simply a characteristic of the white ranch hands or the daughter-in-law of the boss; it is a human characteristic, and Crooks needs to feel superior to someone also.
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Curley's wife
The fact that she is referred to as her husband's possession and doesn't get a name reflects how she isn't valued as a person - just like other women during that time who had to be devoted to their husband
She demonstrates the negative attitude towards women during that time by men - she is only thought of in relation to her husband and not seen as a worthwhile individual
Referred to as a “tramp,” “tart,” and “bitch” who threatens to destroy male happiness and longevity
When confronting Lennie, Candy, and Crooks, she admits to feeling dissatisfaction with her life. Her vulnerability at this moment and later (when she admits to Lennie her dream of becoming a movie star) makes her utterly human and much more interesting than the stereotypical woman she is presented to be.
However, the novella’s grim worldview is reinforced. In her moment of greatest vulnerability, Curley’s wife seeks out even greater weaknesses in others - Lennie’s mental handicap, Candy’s debilitating age, and the colour of Crooks' skin in order to steel herself against harm.
Portrayed as a liar and a manipulator of men, and a mean and seductive temptress.
Relates to the biblical story of Eve in the Garden of Eden - brings evil into men's lives by tempting them in a way they cannot resist.
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Candy
Candy’s dog, once an impressive sheep herder but now toothless, foul-smelling, and brittle with age got killed when no longer useful—supports Candy’s fears. Candy’s dog serves as a harsh reminder of the fate that awaits anyone who outlives their usefulness.
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An old handyman, aging and left with only one hand as the result of an accident, worries that the boss will soon declare him useless and demand that he leave the ranch.
Candy wants to be part of the dream farm so bad because he is desperate for freedom and knows what's going to happen to him now that he is no longer useful on the ranch - so the farm is his only hope
Curley
Feels intimidated by Lennie because of his strong, masculine figure - jealous so tries to attack him
Has his "gloves full of vaseline" - shows that he is keeping his hands soft for his wife - relates back to context because during that time, women were their husband's trophies and just used for the pleasure of their husband.
Themes
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The nature of dreams
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No matter how hard you strive, forces of nature will always play a large part.
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