Of Mice and Men Part B – AO1/2/4 How 1930’s America is presented through the relationships in Of Mice and Men

Lennie and George Life of a Ranch Worker Their relationship is an exception in a society that reflects an itinerant lifestyle 1930’s America was a lonely place for a ranch worker – they usually lived an isolated existence but George and Lennie have a unique bond. A dependency and loyalty that juxtaposes the solitary journey of the 1930’s ranch worker It was usual for travelling farm workers to be transitory and alone Lennie and George Life of a Ranch Worker

George and Lennie are presented as being long term companions George and Lennie are presented as being long term companions. Lennie trusts George implicitly and looks to him for guidance and wants to please him. In chapter 1, when Lennie forgets where they are heading, he says “I tried not to forget. Honest to God I did, George”. The incident with Lennie hiding the mouse in this chapter also shows how well George knows Lennie – “you ain’t puttin’ nothing over.” The manner in which Lennie mimics George’s behaviour is also reflective of their closeness in a hostile world – “Lennie imitated him, raising his head to see whether he were doing it right.” Lennie and George

Lennie and George The American Dream Their relationship highlights how ranch workers were striving for the American Dream Their ‘dream’ is repeated throughout the novel. Lennie is captivated by the dream like a small child being reassured by a familiar bedtime story “tell me about the rabbits George” There are times when George conveys the weight of responsibility resulting form his relationship with Lennie. This is evident when he cuts the “dream” story short “I ain’t got time for no more” and says he would be happy without the burden of Lennie so that he could “stay in a cat house all night”. This was typical ranch worker recreational behaviour in 1930 – escapism from a solitary, and at times meaningless existence where hope hinged on an unobtainable dream Lennie and George The American Dream

The marriage of Curly and Curly’s wife Their marriage is not based on love – Curley’s wife is a possession of her husband who refers to her only in relation to his own needs “glove fulla vaseline”. Her anonymous label ‘Curley’s wife’ suggests her role and the domestic expectations attached, are what define her. Curley’s wife represents the endemic sexism that underpinned 1930’s America. The ranch workers do not trust Curley’s wife and her sexually provocative behaviour, and refer to her using derogatory language “God damn tramp”. George says “she’s a rattrap is ever I seen one” implying a lack of trust. Curley does not understand his wife which magnifies her loneliness on the ranch. She dreams of being a movie star but is trapped in her marriage to Curley. Her dream, like that of George and Lennie is futile and dies with her. Find 2 further quotes that show Curley’s wife as representative of women in 1930’s America The marriage of Curly and Curly’s wife

In contrast to the other characters, Crooks has no relationships In contrast to the other characters, Crooks has no relationships. This is because of his race – he represents the prejudice and racism in 1930’s America He is a complex character – vulnerable yet brittle and hostile. His isolation and loneliness contribute to his defensive behaviour – he is broken symbolically by the treatment he has endured, and literally due to his physical weakness – a crooked back. He is “proud” and “aloof” However, the vulnerable side of Crooks conveys the need for companionship – “a guy needs somebody – to be near him…A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody”. Crooks suffers greatly due to the accepted discrimination of black people in 1930’s America – he is treated with contempt and indifference Find a further 3 quotes to demonstrate Crook’s loneliness and isolation due to racism Crooks

This is a loving and dependent relationship without rules – unconditional affection and support. The relationship between Candy and his dog mirrors the relationship between George and Lennie – genuine and loyal. The brutal death of Candy’s dog is symbolic of the mistreatment and disregard of those in 1930’s America that have a disability that means they are considered less useful in an opportunistic world. The death foreshadows the death of Lennie. The death of Candy’s dog suggests that relationships in the individualistic society of 1930’s America don’t last. This is also symbolic of the end of the American Dream. Find 4 quotes that depict the relationship between Candy and his dog (link to the above bullet points) Candy and his dog

Lennie/George/Candy/Crooks A brief relationship is established between the four ranch workers The relationship is driven by hope for their collective dream of independence – a self sufficient existence with their own land. Their dreams fall apart, representing the hopelessness of the American Dream. Find 2 quotes that show the ‘dream’ of the ranch workers and 2 quotes to show the moments that lead it dissolution. Lennie/George/Candy/Crooks

George/Slim Curley/Carlson The resolution of the novel establishes a connection between George and Slim that is juxtaposed with the relationship between Curley and Carlson – “ Now what the hell you suppose is eatin’ them two guys?” Slim has empathy for George in the aftermath of Lennie’s death – he comforts him and shows understanding. Carlson has no understanding of the magnitude of the event – he has no dreams. It could be considered fitting that the man with no dreams ends the novel. It‘s perhaps an indication of what George might become without Lennie. Steinbeck has established the hopelessness of the American Dream – a message that from the outset was his intention George/Slim Curley/Carlson