During the Great Depression, the economy plunged, and with it the social environment as well. John Steinbeck emphasizes this in Of Mice and Men, where the people on the ranch are in a state of isolation where there is a lack of social interactions. The characters of Of Mice and Men are socioeconomically unwell to show the harsh experiences many had during the time period. Steinbeck uses Curley’s Wife, Crooks, and Candy to show how damaging the Great Depression was to remind the reader the importance of communicating with others during a difficult time.
Steinbeck uses Curley’s Wife to portray the effects of depression through loneliness in people’s social interactions. Doing the interference between Curley’s wife and the other ranchmen, she …show more content…
When Lennie does not understand discrimination in society, Crooks talks profusely about how he is treated and explains that it is “‘cause I’m black. They play cards in there but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink,’” (68) to show his loneliness to Lennie, one of the only people who has approached Crooks in a Friendly Manner. Crooks emphasizes the phrase, “I’m black,” to show that he believes discrimination is the sole reason for his loneliness and his socially rejected status. Steinbeck includes the statement “They say I stink,” to indicate the stereotypes made during the time period and how judgemental this attitude is towards others. As their conversation progressed, Crooks questions the importance of George in Lennie’s life by saying, “I’ll tell ya a guy gets too lonely he gets sick,” (73) to show the isolation’s effect on Crooks. Crooks uses the metaphor, “too lonely” to stress how lonely and socially rejected he is. In addition, he also uses the metaphor of “getting sick” to show how isolation has had a toll on his social and mental health. Since this derogatory nature was prevalent during the time period, it was often very condescending and abusive towards those affected by it, which is found here. Due to this, no one is able to comfort Crooks other than Lennie, and thus, has a tough time through an already horrible
Steinbeck uses Curley’s Wife to portray the effects of depression through loneliness in people’s social interactions. Doing the interference between Curley’s wife and the other ranchmen, she …show more content…
When Lennie does not understand discrimination in society, Crooks talks profusely about how he is treated and explains that it is “‘cause I’m black. They play cards in there but I can’t play because I’m black. They say I stink,’” (68) to show his loneliness to Lennie, one of the only people who has approached Crooks in a Friendly Manner. Crooks emphasizes the phrase, “I’m black,” to show that he believes discrimination is the sole reason for his loneliness and his socially rejected status. Steinbeck includes the statement “They say I stink,” to indicate the stereotypes made during the time period and how judgemental this attitude is towards others. As their conversation progressed, Crooks questions the importance of George in Lennie’s life by saying, “I’ll tell ya a guy gets too lonely he gets sick,” (73) to show the isolation’s effect on Crooks. Crooks uses the metaphor, “too lonely” to stress how lonely and socially rejected he is. In addition, he also uses the metaphor of “getting sick” to show how isolation has had a toll on his social and mental health. Since this derogatory nature was prevalent during the time period, it was often very condescending and abusive towards those affected by it, which is found here. Due to this, no one is able to comfort Crooks other than Lennie, and thus, has a tough time through an already horrible