The Role Of Society In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

In the novella, "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck, he uses society oppresses against people during the Great Depression. Having a mental disorder or a different skin color other than white, and being a woman will be judged and not be acceptable to society. The characters meet the ability to live in a working area, trying to survive because they had a dream to pursue but have been crushed and given up on. They are not able to succeed their purpose in life because of the economy of people’s opposing opinions. To show their values and accepted of what they wanted to become or have causes risk and sacrifice. Three characters from the novella show the traits and their achievements that couldn’t be reached because of society references about how life is supposed to be like and how it is supposed to work.
Lennie Small has a naïve child's mind, that brings a thought to other

characters that he is not harmful. His mental disability causes sympathy and sorrow that can bring him luck into a new job. Lennie brings more value to the thought process of society because he does not judge other people. “Crooks scowled, but Lennie’s disarming smile defeated him. ‘Come on in and set a while,’ Crooks said” (pg. 69). Being able to influence people with his innocence, it does show how mad he can get when he is mad. He does not seek the troublesome of going and talking to a colored man. “‘Why ain’t you wanted?’ Lennie asked. ‘Cause I’m black…’” (pg. 68). It is not a normal thing for a white man to be nice and talking to a color man worth their time during the Great Depression. Lennie shows the ability that some people can have if society did not bring negativity.
She did not have a name, but she was labeled as “Curley’s Wife”. The name symbolizes how she claims to be only his wife, that is his possession over. She was purposely being shown that she was not as important of or not having rights as women. “Curley burst into the room excitedly. ‘Any of you guys seen my wife?’ he demanded.” (pg. 53) Being the only women in a workplace full of men can tribute how lonely she feels. Curley’s wife is being controlled by her husband and cannot talk to anyone unless she sneaks away and talk to the workers. “‘Well, I ain’t told this to nobody before. Maybe I ought’n to. I don’ like Curley. He ain’t a nice fella.’” (pg.89). Women did not have much to give from because of how society, how women are supposed to be treated and how they are responsible to only please their husbands. She always had a dream to become an actress, but never had the chance since she got married to Curley.
Racism was frustrating and depressing for Crooks ever since he was little.

“‘ There wasn’t another colored family for miles around.’”(pg.70). Him being the only black boy in the neighborhood made him feel lonely. It triggered how it was hard to be the only different one around other people. He felt lonely once again and gave up on his dream once he was overpowered by Curley’s wife. He wanted to be contributed to the idea of having a farm with George, Lennie, and Candy once they all settle down. He is intelligent and works hard even though he has a bad back. He wanted racial prejudices, but he did not receive that treatment at the barn until Lennie arrived and Candy joined in.
Social aspects of how certain things are brought into this world like to shame others. It can be a struggle for people to live in a society that does not appreciate or are able to present their talent because of critical comments. It is hard to understand what the people who have to go through unless settle in someone else's shoes. Media carries on references of how life is supposed to be like and how it is supposed to

work.