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The Pros And Cons Of John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

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A society which chews up and spits out anyone who has lost their economic worth through various disadvantages. John Steinbeck’s novel, Of Mice and Men, was written and set within the context of the Great Depression and illustrates these dreary times vividly. A time in which society seems to have overlooked and minimized people's value as human beings, and their humanity. This has been highlighted through racism and sexism throughout the book, but it all ties back to the fact that, in these dire times, people were primarily concerned about their own well-being. This “every man for himself” scenario was brought out through different venues in the novel. Times had reached a level of stagnation and rigidity through this, and, as such was certainly …show more content…

People simply cannot afford to take care of others because they can barely take care of themselves. It hit the point at which any attempts at helping others in a compassionate way, was seen as a stark and puzzling contrast against what was normal. Various characters in the novel were always very curious about the nature of George and Lennie's relationship. The boss of the ranch was suspicious about what George wanted to get out of his relationship with Lennie, thinking George might have been trying to exploit him because he had “never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy” (22). Slim also tried to question George about his relationship to Lennie. The initial assumption was always of exploitation. Understanding that it was a form of mutual need and companionship was easier to show than to explain. With regards to Lenny and George's relationship (tragic as the final outcome was), they were, as human beings better together, than alone. George had someone to care for and be responsible for and Lenny had someone to guide him: they had a friend in each other. They were both better human beings together than alone. George considered it better to have a friend as a wandering worker than be more comfortable and empty with

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