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Essay / Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck - 780
In times of economic hardship or difficulty, everyone withdraws into their personal space and pays no attention to others. Ignorance often leads to misunderstandings. In the short story Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck, two men go to visit a new farm in search of new opportunities and a chance to realize their dream. Of Mice and Men is also a heartbreaking story about how such misunderstandings can lead to unfortunate events. John Steinbeck uses a disapproving voice to criticize the mistreatment of the socially excluded and show that misunderstandings can lead to harmful consequences. Steinbeck shows that people will trust others because of their personal biases. Due to his mental disability, Lennie often acts inappropriately, causing him and George to lose their jobs. George complains to Lennie, “I got you!” You can't keep a job and lose me every time I get a job. Keep me moving all over the country all the time. And the worst. You're in trouble. You’re doing bad things and I have to get you out” (Steinbeck 11). Just like in Weed, a town they once worked in, Lennie and George have to hide from the locals because Lennie grabbed a woman's dress in a panic. Although Lennie acts with innocent intentions, the people around him simply don't take the time to understand them. As soon as they move into the new farm, the boss and Curley display suspicion and even open hostility towards Lennie. They pass judgment on him before even trying to get to know him better. Even Crooks, also abandoned by society, views him with contempt and disdain when Lennie first attempts to enter his room. Lennie doesn't intend to hurt others, but the people around him always feel uncomfortable in the middle of a paper...... boss to explain that humans instinctively distrust each other of others. The boss accuses George of theft, saying, "I said what stake do you have in this guy?" Do you [take] his salary? » (Steinbeck 22). Dialogue shows that people do not trust each other. John Steinbeck's writings reveal that he disapproves of people who show off, act brash, or simply don't trust themselves. John Steinbeck's portrayal of George and Lennie serves to describe and criticize the misjudgment and distrust of society's rejects. Understanding builds trust, a fundamental element of a harmonious society. In the age of globalization, trusts and judgments are more important than ever. Steinbeck's timeless message has made Of Mice and Men a true classic short story. Work Cited Steinbeck, John. Of mice and men. New York, NY, USA: Penguin Books, 1994. Print.