Discrimination separates one soul from another, inspiring failure to live out dreams as long as negative stereotypes and poor beliefs exist in society. This concept is showcased in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. In this novel, characters are segregated for their race and mental ability. Lennie’s dream of tending to the rabbits on the farm, along with Crook’s dream of equality and freedom, displays that dreams, no matter how hard one may try, do not work out.
Lennie has a dream to own a farm with George where he will tend to his rabbits. However, his dream does not come true because of his mental handicap, showcasing Steinbeck’s theme that dreams do not come true. During a conversation Lennie had with George, he mentions his vision to …show more content…
‘An’ have rabbits. Go on, George! Tell about what we’re gonna have in the garden and about the rabbits in the cages…” (Steinbeck 14). Lennie’s mental conditions cause his ability to strive to weaken, limiting him to lower goals and expectations from others. His personality is very soft and kind, and his dream of tending to rabbits directly models these traits. Other characters see Lennie differently because of his handicap, but not in a positive way. Crooks told Lennie he was, “‘Jus’ nuts… I don’t blame the guy you travel with for keepin’ you outa sight.’” (Steinbeck 69). Lennie’s mental handicap is obvious to everyone who meets him, but the characters he interacts with often do not respect his disability, calling him insulting words such as “nuts” and “crazy”. These remarks display the cruelty of those judging Lennie by insulting him for his defect. The way Lennie is seen throughout the novel changes over time. …show more content…
Crooks expresses his dream by supplying Lennie with situations in which he himself faces. “S’pose you couldn’t go into the bunk house and play rummy ‘cause you was black. How’d you like that? S’pose you had to sit out here an’ read books” (Steinbeck 72). Following this, Crooks states, “‘A guy needs somebody--to be near him.’” (Steinbeck 72). The segregation within the ranch leads Crooks to dream of equality and the freedom of spending time with other men. His dream seems like an uncomplicated one, but his race restrains him from success. When Lennie runs into Crooks in the barn, they speak of the inequality Crooks faces. Crooks states the reason he faces separation from the other men is, “‘’Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink. Well, I tell you, you all of you stink to me.’” (Steinbeck 68). Crooks’ race is not something he can change; however, he is judged and poorly treated for this trait, all due to the color of his skin. His dream is simply to be able to join the rest of the men and not be stereotyped by skin tone. Crooks’ dream of equality is not one that is hard to imagine. While the other characters interact with each other, Crooks finds ways to pass time while alone in the barn. The
Lennie has a dream to own a farm with George where he will tend to his rabbits. However, his dream does not come true because of his mental handicap, showcasing Steinbeck’s theme that dreams do not come true. During a conversation Lennie had with George, he mentions his vision to …show more content…
‘An’ have rabbits. Go on, George! Tell about what we’re gonna have in the garden and about the rabbits in the cages…” (Steinbeck 14). Lennie’s mental conditions cause his ability to strive to weaken, limiting him to lower goals and expectations from others. His personality is very soft and kind, and his dream of tending to rabbits directly models these traits. Other characters see Lennie differently because of his handicap, but not in a positive way. Crooks told Lennie he was, “‘Jus’ nuts… I don’t blame the guy you travel with for keepin’ you outa sight.’” (Steinbeck 69). Lennie’s mental handicap is obvious to everyone who meets him, but the characters he interacts with often do not respect his disability, calling him insulting words such as “nuts” and “crazy”. These remarks display the cruelty of those judging Lennie by insulting him for his defect. The way Lennie is seen throughout the novel changes over time. …show more content…
Crooks expresses his dream by supplying Lennie with situations in which he himself faces. “S’pose you couldn’t go into the bunk house and play rummy ‘cause you was black. How’d you like that? S’pose you had to sit out here an’ read books” (Steinbeck 72). Following this, Crooks states, “‘A guy needs somebody--to be near him.’” (Steinbeck 72). The segregation within the ranch leads Crooks to dream of equality and the freedom of spending time with other men. His dream seems like an uncomplicated one, but his race restrains him from success. When Lennie runs into Crooks in the barn, they speak of the inequality Crooks faces. Crooks states the reason he faces separation from the other men is, “‘’Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink. Well, I tell you, you all of you stink to me.’” (Steinbeck 68). Crooks’ race is not something he can change; however, he is judged and poorly treated for this trait, all due to the color of his skin. His dream is simply to be able to join the rest of the men and not be stereotyped by skin tone. Crooks’ dream of equality is not one that is hard to imagine. While the other characters interact with each other, Crooks finds ways to pass time while alone in the barn. The