nMonte

In books there is always a deeper meaning; whether it be in a single word, a phrase, or the book in it's entirety. This can sometimes be expressed through symbolism. In "Of Mice and Men" the characters are said to be symbolizing not just one character, but a wide range of individuals as a group. Each character is looked at as a representative of a larger group.

Lennie is looked at as a "wise fool". He is mentally inferior, but is able to easily read people and reveal the worst and best in them. He is very foolish, not quite comprehending the fact that some of the things he says should be either kept to himself or not expressed out loud. With this, he will sometimes express his feelings openly without knowing they should not be. Being mentally disabled, Lennie will often notice things normal characters wouldn't take a second glance at. It seems as if he can interpret whether he should be at certain places or not. For example, when he continually tries to convince George that the ranch is not a good place for himself and George to be hanging out around. The biggest symbolic message Lennie's character gives off is the discrimination often felt towards the disabled and mentally handicapped. Lennie is quickly judged by not only his size, but his personality. He tends to keep his mouth shut, but when he is forced to talk will stutter causing him to be looked down upon. The other character's in "Of Mice and Men" treat him differently then the others. The other character's opinions on Lennie vary, some thinking he is extremely dangerous; mainly because of his size. And others thinking he is harmless, due to his lack of mental ability.

Curley and his wife also are symbolic. Curley's wife is representing Eve, the bible character who intern, brings sin into the world. She also symbolizes woman around the world who are appressed by male-centered societies. Curley represents those who are smaller on the outside and try to make up their size by flaunting their social status and money. Curley often uses his power to threaten and influence others to try to make them feel inferior to him. He is quick to judge and attacks other characters, like Lennie, and is also quick to assume.

Crooks is a symbol of groups of individuals discriminated against by their race and ethnicity. The white workers look down on him, make him sleep in a opposite building, and they won't let him join in on any of their activities. They continually refer to him as a nigger, and he doesn't do anything about it. Crooks also represents those out there who are physically disabled, because he is a cripple and has trouble with his back. Crooks, through out the book, shows the amount of discrimination from years back. Also his character represents the lack of respect individuals of opposite colors had for each other.

Candy represents people that are discriminated against because of their age. He is looked down upon and the younger characters don't seem to value his opinion as much as they used to. They act like his opinion isn't important. A perfect example is when they shoot his dog when he clearly didn't want them to do so; they didn't care and did it anyway. Carlson, is the character that shoots Candy's dog, and he represents people that are oblivious to others feelings.

Lastly, George represents the average man. He doesn't do any horribly wrong but isn't a hero either. His actions are sometimes inappropriate and not expected. He is the exact opposite of the character Slim. George shoots Lennie in the end of the book. And although he wanted it to seem like he was relieving Lennie from being killed from the other characters; he knew it was wrong of him to do what he did and he could of figured out a way for the story to end different. He choose to take the easy way out, like a typical human.

WORK CITED:

1) Perkins, Barbara M. "Steinbeck, John." //World Book Student.// World Book, 2010. Web. 4 June 2010.

2) Cahill, Bryon. "Of Mice and Men." //SIRS Discoverer Login//. SIRS Discoverer on the Web, 25 Aug. 2006. Web. 04 June 2010. <[]> . 3)"John Steinbeck." //Welcome to The National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, CA. Rabobank Agriculture Museum. Web. 04 June 2010. <[]>.

4) // Unger, Leonard, ed. //American Writers//. Vol. IV. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1974. Print.

5) "Of Mice and Men Symbolism, Imagery, and Allegory." Scmoop University, Inc. Web 03 June 2010. <[] >