Some readers suggest that the "weak" character in Of Mice and Men represent groups of people who were outcasts in 1930s society(for example. Lennie would represent the mentally challenged). For each of the following characters, explain how each could represent an outcast group in society: Candy, Crooks, Curley's Wife.
So far I've got that Crook's would represent the blacks
Don't copy from this webpage (your teacher will know immediately, I'm sure!), but read through it very carefully and then write up your responses.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/micemen/canalysis.html
If you'd like someone here to comment when you have finished writing it all up, please re-post.
To identify how Candy, Crooks, and Curley's Wife represent outcast groups in 1930s society in the novel "Of Mice and Men," we can examine their characterization and societal context. Here are the potential representations for each character:
1. Candy:
Candy, an aging ranch hand, could symbolize the plight of the elderly during the Great Depression. The 1930s were a challenging time, especially for older individuals who often struggled to find work and were frequently marginalized. Candy's physical limitations, such as his missing hand, contribute to his sense of vulnerability and social isolation.
To explain how Candy represents the outcast group of the elderly in society, you could provide evidence from the novel that highlights his experiences, such as his fear of being fired due to his age or his desperation to belong and find purpose through the dream of owning a piece of land.
2. Crooks:
As you correctly mentioned, Crooks represents the marginalized group of African Americans during the 1930s. In the novel, Crooks is the only black ranch worker on the ranch and faces severe discrimination and isolation due to his race.
To explain how Crooks portrays the outcast group of African Americans, you can reference the racial slurs, segregation, and constant prejudice he faces from the other characters. Additionally, you can explore the significance of Crooks' isolated living arrangements in the barn and his emotional barriers that result from years of mistreatment and segregation.
3. Curley's Wife:
Curley's Wife can be seen as a representation of women who were marginalized and oppressed during the 1930s. Although she is frequently dismissed and objectified by the other characters, delving into her backstory and motivations reveals the societal limitations imposed upon women during that era.
To explain how Curley's Wife represents the outcast group of women, analyze her character's interactions with the other men on the ranch. Consider her expression of desires, such as her longing for attention or dreams of becoming an actress. Additionally, examine the gendered power dynamics, stereotypes, and the societal expectations that constrain and isolate her within the male-dominated world of the ranch.
By examining the unique experiences, struggles, and social situations faced by each character, you can effectively explain how Candy, Crooks, and Curley's Wife represent outcast groups in 1930s society, providing more depth and understanding to their roles in the novel.