Theme Of Sexism In Literature

Of Mice and Men and Code Name Verity are both novels that highlight the struggles of two polarizing characters throughout troublesome points in history. The authors both carry the plot in similar manner while presenting two characters that have to do what is right to save their friend from further persecution. In both stories, tragedy is foreshadowed whether it be from previous sinister events or the tone of the novel transitioning to a more somber one. However, these two stories are not exactly duplicates. With the differing time periods and social issues, it is clear there is some contrast between the two pieces of fiction alongside the similarities. Similarities between the two books exist within the themes featured. The first discernible theme within both books is friendship. Both sets of characters ultimately have to face the same fate: killing (specifically, shooting) their best friend in …show more content…
Racism is so prevalent and commonplace that even the oppressed person refuses to accept equal treatment when offered it. It demonstrates the struggle of achieving racial equality during the time period. Even though Of Mice and Men addresses sexism alongside racism, it is less direct than the racism. Sexism is not a central theme thought of as an issue to be solved in Of Mice and Men like it is in Code Name Verity. Of Mice and Men is just true to the time period and sexism is not a concern within the realm of the story. Within Code Name Verity, however, sexism is a central theme and issue throughout the entirety of the plot. The women pilots are constantly doubted and degraded for their ranking in the war as well as for just being women. An example of this is found when a male colleague of Maddie acts in a sexist manner to her, “Paul turned to the photographer and made a remark in a matey undertone, as though they were sharing a pint in a pub. But he said it in English so I could understand it, and no one else would except the