How is the theme of insecurity developed in the novel ‘Of Mice and Men’ through the use of characters, language and setting?
‘Of Mice and Men’ was written in 1930’s America during the Great Depression. The story begins with Lennie and George fleeing there previous work place, the ending is tragic. During the novel we learn about the friendship that Lennie and George share, along with the dreams and ambitions of the other characters. The story is told in third person, this provides us with a clear unbiased view of all the characters. ‘Of Mice and Men’ was set during The Great Depression, this can show us that most of the characters are insecure and lonely, as they are Itinerant workers, they have no permanent place of work and no house security after the wall street crash. The unemployment rate was high so there was an extreme lack of job security. They have no time build relationships, and no trust for other people.
Many of the characters experience insecurity for a variety of reasons.
Crooks, the black stable buck feels insecure about his race, this makes him feel he is segregated from the rest as he is the only black person on the ranch, ‘Crooks the negro stable buck’. Because of his race he is discriminated against, no-one ever goes into his room or talks to him ‘I’m black, they say I stink’. Crooks is cruel to Lennie ‘You got no right to come in my room’ this shows a sense of insecurity and bitterness, he is trying to shut people out, as this is the only way he knows to live. Crooks lives in a barn, he is treated like an animal, he sleeps in a straw bed ‘Crooks bunk was a long box filled with straw’, this shows nobody has any respect for him, he is considered worthless, this will add to his insecurity. ‘Square four-paned window’ this represents that he is isolated and he does not like letting people in, just like a small window does not let a lot of light in.
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The essay begins begins well, with an introduction that frames the theme of insecurity within the historical and social context. It continues by examining the roles played by some of the characters and the reasons for their underlying insecurity. The essay peters out, however, before having covered all the characters or having reached any conclusions. Curley is not mentioned in this context, and he is certainly insecure, particularly concerning his short stature and his relationship with his wife. Paragraph and sentence construction is loose in parts, though quotations are used to good effect and incorporated skilfully into the flow of the text. 3 stars