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Themes present in the novel. . . . . .
- Loneliness- This is a major theme in the novel. George and Lennie stave it off by their relationship. It
embitters Candy and Crooks. It kills Curley's wife. Steinbeck offers no answers to lonliness, but just a portrayal of the
problem. Most characters seek comfort and solace. Loneliness of characters provides motivation for alternative life.
- Rascism- This ilustrates Crooks. He is intelligent, reads books and needs warnth and companionship. He is
denied these because he is black. The theme racism is a sub-division of a wider theme, lonliness.
- Dreams and Reality- One of the themes is the dreams people have. George and Lennie is that of a small farm,
a patch of land they own themselves, being independant. The dream is so powerful it draws in Candy and even cynical Crooks.
Other characters also have dreams. Curley's wife- to become an actress, and ranch hands- cowboy heroes, like in magazones
they read.
- Ageism- Candy is older than Crooks, and who has outlived his usefulness. He is waiting to be a cast on the
scrapheap. This is again a small theme leading to loneliness, emphasised by relationship of Candy and his dog, and feelings
when dog is shot.
- Violence- Violence is a theme that is portrayed throughtout the novel. It provides George with means to dispatch
of Lennnie. We know violence is a big part of the ranch because the boss permits it. Curley has very irrational
aggresion and Carlson thrives on violence. Guns easy availability.
Characters. . .
- George- hero of mice and men. George is, in Slim's words,"a smart little guy". George is very modest so he
denies this claim. One of the main points in the novel is that intelligence on it's own is worth very little. Permanent employment
is not an option for Geroge unless he ditches Lennie. George is a thinker and a good judge of people's character. George is
a moral person and full of compassion, and is very responsible and makes sacrifices for Lennie. His best features in the end
cause him to lose the thing he loved the most. Lennie.
- Lennie- has a child's mind in a man's body. His strength is his obvious feature in his innocence. He is not
as straight forward as first thought. Lennie realises that George will feel guilty about losing his temper. Lennie holds on
when panic is unrealistic. He is both a victim and a symbol.
- Slim- He is given the longest introductory description of any charcater. If you
look in the book at this description thats all you need to know. It includes words such as. . 'majesty','gravity', 'authority',
'understanding beyond thought'. Slim is understanding about George and Lennie's relationship.
- Candy- he has the worst job- swamper, and shows you what it is like to have physical disability and loneliness.
He is a pathetic figure and lost all control over his life. He is immediately happy again when he gets invilved in Lennie
and George's dream. There is a parallel between Candy and his Dog and George and Lennie.
- Crooks-he is a lonely character. He is treated badly but not by the other ranch workers. He is living in
bad condition just becuase he is black. He feels unwanted.
- Curley- Curley is very violent and spoilt. He has a grudge against the world. Has an obsession of boxing.he
is a laughing stock to the other men. hated by his new wife. He is cruel, insnesitive and cunning. Most unpleasent and unattractive
character in the novel. He is partly to blame for the final tragedy of Lennie.
- Curley's Wife- She is a tart and another lonely character. She recognises sexuality is the only weapon she
has. She is desperate for attention and someone to talk to. She is treated badly by Curley and could be a good wife to a man
who is nice ot her. She is never horrible in the novel and is quite trusting.
- Carlson- Insensitive ranch worker. Pressurises Candy to have his dog shot because he can't stand the smell.
It is his pistol that shoots the dog and Lennie.
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