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Great Depression In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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The Great Depression was an of hardship for many, and kept several people from accomplishing even the most basic goals and dreams. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck tells a story of two friends, George Milton and Lennie Small, and their search for a better life in rural California. George, a smart but small and wiry laborer, and Lennie, a giant man who is mentally challenged, take jobs bucking barley on a large ranch outside of Salinas and try to save money to get a place of their own. On the ranch, they encounter many who have dreams of their own, but Steinbeck manipulates his characters, particularly Lennie, to demonstrate that not everyone get what they want, even if they work hard for it. In the story Of Mice and Men George has a big …show more content…

“A tall man stood in the doorway. He held a crushed Stetson hat under his arm while he combed his long, black, damp hair straight back. Like the others he wore blue jeans and a short denim jacket. When he had finished combing his hair he moved into the room, and he moved with a majesty achieved only by royalty and master craftsmen. He was a jerkline skinner, the prince of the ranch, capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules with a single line to the leaders. He was capable of killing a fly on the wheeler's butt with a bull whip without touching the mule. There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke. His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love. This was Slim, the jerkline skinner.” pg.33. Everybody looks up to Slim he's like royalty on the ranch. If Slim says something everyone agrees to it. Even though he's probably not the strongest he's the most respected out of everybody no one messes with slim. “I don't see no reason for it," said Carlson. He went to his bunk, pulled his bag from underneath it and took out a Luger pistol. "Le's get it over with," he said. "We can't sleep with him stinkin' around in here." He put the pistol in his hip pocket. Candy looked a long time at Slim to try to find some reversal. And Slim gave him none.”pg.47 When everybody wanted to kill Candy’s dog he looked toward Slim for help and once he …show more content…

“Come on, ya big bastard. Get up on your feet. No big son-of-a-bitch is gonna laugh at me. I'll show ya who's yella. Lennie looked helplessly at George, and then he got up and tried to retreat. Curley was balanced and poised. He slashed at Lennie with his left, and then smashed down his nose with a right. Lennie gave a cry of terror. Blood welled from his nose. "George," he cried. "Make 'um let me alone, George." He backed until he was against the wall, and Curley followed, slugging him in the face. Lennie's hands remained at his sides; he was too frightened to defend himself. George was on his feet yelling, "Get him, Lennie. Don't let him do it." Lennie covered his face with his huge paws and bleated with terror. He cried, "Make 'um stop, George." Then Curley attacked his stomach and cut off his wind.” Curley know he can do whatever he wants because this is the only job they have left. George and Lennie have to keep this job in order to pursue their dream. That's the only reason Curley had power it was because of his father if he didn't have that power someone would of kicked his ass by

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