Of Mice and Men can be considered an allegory since the characters and plot often suggest subliminal meanings. One can infer that the ranch is a small model of society, and different social groups are portrayed throughout the novella. Many groups are depicted, but three prominent groups are the handicapped, the segregated, and the rulers. Lennie represents the handicapped with his mental disabilities, Crooks, the only colored man on the ranch, would be the segregated, and Slim and Curley are vastly different types of rulers. To begin with, Lennie portrays both the mentally and physically handicapped in the sense that he needs assistance with everyday tasks. George can be seen as his “caretaker.” Lennie is very different from all the other
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Curley, the boss’s son, has been born into it. Slim, the skinner, has achieved his reign over time. The men do not wish to cross Curley in fear he will tell his father. Throughout the novella it is clear to see no one is fond of him. Even his own wife says she does not like him and he is not a nice man. When Lennie breaks Curley’s hand, multiple people state he “had it comin’” to him. Slim, on the other hand, is respected by everyone. He presents himself with both authority and empathy. When George first sees Slim his first impression is, “he moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen.” In the story each man depends on Slim for orders. Even when Carlson tries to convince Candy to let him kill his dog, Candy looks to Slim for reassurance. Curley is the ruler that abuses his power, but Slim is the ruler that everyone goes to for guidance. In conclusion, the novella is an accurate exemplification of society. Many other characters depict other social groups aside from the handicapped, the segregated, and the rulers. These characters are ultimately a minor part in the major theme of society. Also, they all illustrate the reoccurring themes of loneliness, crushed dreams, and discrimination. Steinbeck is able to relate those themes with today’s civilization in Of Mice and Men by making the characters mean more than what firsts meets the
Curley, the boss’s son, has been born into it. Slim, the skinner, has achieved his reign over time. The men do not wish to cross Curley in fear he will tell his father. Throughout the novella it is clear to see no one is fond of him. Even his own wife says she does not like him and he is not a nice man. When Lennie breaks Curley’s hand, multiple people state he “had it comin’” to him. Slim, on the other hand, is respected by everyone. He presents himself with both authority and empathy. When George first sees Slim his first impression is, “he moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen.” In the story each man depends on Slim for orders. Even when Carlson tries to convince Candy to let him kill his dog, Candy looks to Slim for reassurance. Curley is the ruler that abuses his power, but Slim is the ruler that everyone goes to for guidance. In conclusion, the novella is an accurate exemplification of society. Many other characters depict other social groups aside from the handicapped, the segregated, and the rulers. These characters are ultimately a minor part in the major theme of society. Also, they all illustrate the reoccurring themes of loneliness, crushed dreams, and discrimination. Steinbeck is able to relate those themes with today’s civilization in Of Mice and Men by making the characters mean more than what firsts meets the