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John Steinbeck- Banned, Challenged, and Censored

Books can be banned. They can be challenged. They can also be censored. John Steinbeck has written many novels, some of which are considered American classics. They are classics used in high school curriculum all over the world. Critics say that "Of Mice and Men" "brings out the worst, the lowest, and the most self-centered aspects of human nature" (Understanding Of Mice and Men,19). Steinbeck's books may be classics, but they are frequently challenged, banned, and censored for a variety of reasons.

One of the most popular works by Steinbeck is “Of Mice and Men.” This book is in the top ten on the list of most frequently challenged books. The original title for this book was “Something that Happened,” but Steinbeck changed the title to what it is today. The word “men” in the title started controversy, and it was said that instead of “man,” Steinbeck should have used “humankind” or “person” to make the title less sexist (John Steinbeck- Banned, Challenged, and Censored).

The biggest reason any book may be challenged is because of the content. In “Of Mice and Men,” one of the main characters, Lennie, is mentally ill. This alone could start a debate. At the end of the story, Lennie is murdered by his best friend George, because he committed a felony. This can be offensive to some readers, and not viewed as appropriate reading (John Steinbeck- Banned Challenged, and Censored).

Another reason is because of the language. In “Of Mice and Men,” the characters use bad language to get their messages across. The language can be unsuitable for younger children and can cause problems for younger students who are reading. For example, "Nobody gives a damn about us," or "You'r a crazy b*" (Of Mice and Men, 4). Critics argue that children may pick up these bad language habits, are ask what the words mean, which is why many parents challenge this book.

Along with the bad language, there are also many racial slurs. One character in the story, “Crooks,” is an African American man. He is forced to live by himself in a barn. He is commonly called “n*” by the other men on the land. "S'pose you couldn't go into the bunk house and play rummy 'cause you was black." (Of Mice and Men, 72). This can be insulting to others reading the book, whether they are African American or not. It shows how the African Americans were considered unequal, and this can easily make them seem slighted.

Steinbeck also used some sexual references in the story. Curly’s wife was a major part of this sex content. She egged Lennie on to stroke her soft hair and touch her. In the beginning of the story, we learn that Lennie and George ran away from Weed because Lennie did something wrong. He touched a girl’s red dress and wouldn’t let go. This symbolizes sexualism in the fact that Lennie was touching girls, and can be unsuitable for younger readers or against religion (American Writers, 58).

Lennie is always portrayed as a “child” and “dumb.” Hidden beneath is an unequal view on children and people with mental disabilities. Lennie is established as dumb from the start of the book, so for him to be called a child makes it seem like children and mentally challenged people are dumb. These unequal views can also be distasteful to readers. Women were also looked down apon in the story. Curly's wife is also considered lower than the rest, and never referred to as her real name. She is often called "tramp" or "tart," making her seem unequal (Of Mice and Men).

“Of Mice and Men” is suited for adult readers. In Steinbeck’s time, “young adult” did not exist, so his writing was for older readers. It is commonly challenged by critics and parents because the book is used in schools, but not necessarily suited for this age group. Because the book is used so often, it is more likely to be challenged.

Books can be banned, challenged, and censored. There are many reasons a book will be challenged. Most of it has to do with the views and beliefs of the readers. Not all books will be appropriate for all readers, so some books will be subject to challenges. Steinbeck’s work has been frequently challenged for a variety of reasons, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that they are classics, and are useful in teaching self respect and building character.

Megan B

Works Cited

Johnson, Claudia Durst. //Understanding Of Mice and Men, The Red Pony, and The Pearl: a Student Casebook to Issues, Sources, and Historical Documents//. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood, 1997. Print.

Steinbeck, John. //Of Mice and Men//. New York: Penguin, 1993. Print.

Hinds, Maurene J. //John Steinbeck: Banned, Challenged, and Censored//. Berkeley Heights, NJ, USA: Enslow, 2008. Print.

"Steinbeck." //American Writers//. New York: Scribner, 1974. Print.