Question

the story of mice and men Theme of Vulnerability: Consider the characters of Lennie, Crooks, and Curley’s Wife and how they are portrayed in the text. What do you think the author is trying to say about how society treats its most vulnerable?

Answer 1

In John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men," the theme of vulnerability is intricately woven through the characters of Lennie, Crooks, and Curley’s wife, each representing different facets of society’s marginalization. Through their struggles, Steinbeck comments on the inherent cruelty of social systems and the isolation faced by vulnerable individuals.

**Lennie Small** is perhaps the most prominent representation of vulnerability. As a man with intellectual disabilities, he relies on his friend George for guidance and protection. His innocence and childlike demeanor make him endearing, yet society's inability to accommodate his uniqueness offers a stark commentary on how those who are different are often misunderstood or victimized. Lennie's physical strength contrasts sharply with his mental fragility, which leads to tragic consequences. The way society perceives Lennie's disability reveals a deep-rooted fear and prejudice against those who do not conform to societal norms, ultimately showcasing how vulnerability can result in exploitation and tragedy.

**Crooks**, the only Black character on the ranch, embodies the racial discrimination prevalent in 1930s America. He lives in isolation, physically separated from the other men, and experiences loneliness and discrimination daily. Crooks is vulnerable not only due to his race but also because he is disabled, suffering from a back injury that limits him further. His bitterness and pride act as a defense mechanism against the relentless loneliness, but the moment he allows himself to hope for companionship, he is cruelly shut down by Curley’s wife, highlighting the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals. Steinbeck uses Crooks’ experience to illustrate the systemic racism that exacerbates vulnerability, revealing how society often strips away the dignity and humanity of those it deems inferior.

**Curley’s wife** serves as another poignant example of vulnerability, though in a different context. Despite her perceived power as the boss's wife, she is deeply lonely and craves attention and validation from the men on the ranch. Her status as a woman in a male-dominated environment renders her powerless; she is viewed more as a possession than as an individual. The dreams she once had have been thwarted by her circumstances, leaving her to navigate a world that dismisses her desires and personality. Through Curley’s wife, Steinbeck critiques how society’s gender norms can render women vulnerable, leading them to act out in desperate ways. Her tragic end illustrates that even those with apparent power can be deeply isolated and inherently vulnerable.

Overall, Steinbeck's portrayal of Lennie, Crooks, and Curley’s wife reveals a society that often disregards the needs and humanity of its most vulnerable members. The narrative suggests that vulnerability is not only a personal struggle but also a social one, where societal structures and prejudices contribute to isolation and suffering. By highlighting these characters, Steinbeck encourages readers to reflect on the moral responsibility toward those who are marginalized and to foster a sense of empathy and understanding within a harsh world.