The key example of physical power in the novel is obviously Lennie. With the use of his physical power, he was a great worker but did not understand how strong he was. George explains Lennie's strength by "that big bastard can put up more grain alone than most pairs can". Through his size and his enormous amount of strength, Lennie could out work the other men of the ranch by himself. By using Lennie's strength he became a great worker who knew nothing more than to work. Lennie uses his abilities to work hard, but does not understand how strong he is. Without George, Lennie does not understand what to do, because he has no mental strength. Lennie, who gets frightened and uses his strength to hold on to objects, is just like a child. He will do whatever George tells him to: "Curley was flopping like a fish on a line, and his closed fist was lost in Lennie's hand". George slapped Lennie in the face repeatedly and still Lennie held on. Through Lennie's actions we can see that Lennie is very similar to a child. Lennie's first instinct when he is frightened is to hold on. Just as a little kid holds on to its mum or dad when they become frightened, Lennie holds on to objects.
Because of Lennie's inability to understand his physical power, he becomes frightened and tries to silence Curley's wife, and, as a result, she ends up being killed. So Lennie’s physical, though it is his greatest asset is also his biggest downfall.
Crooks is the main example of a person with no power .We are first introduced to Crooks through the speech of others. When George and Lennie that when the boss is angry about anything, he directly takes his anger out on Crooks '"An' he give the stable buck hell, too."' This is the first sign of racial discrimination we learn about in the novel. Then, Candy refers to this 'stable buck' (Crooks) as '"nigger"'. The racial term reflects how racist America really was. We also learn that Crooks suffers from a back injury from where he was kicked by a horse; hence the nickname. This signifies his lack of strength and amount of weakness. He is disempowered both because of his race and his physical disability.
The key example of mental power is slim. He gained all his respect not from his strength or his money but through his mind. He is thought of as a god like figure and “Slim’s word was law.” Slim is thought of as a god like figure and his advice is asked on everything. Even on the biggest of things such as the fight between Curley and George and the death of Curley’s wife. Slim lingers in the shadow of his overwhelming description throughout the novel. He serves as the fearless, decision maker when conflicts arises among workers and wins the confidence of George offering advice, comfort and quiet words of wisdom. Slim has many functions in the novel. For example through Slim we find out information from George and influences our opinions in events, which take place in the book. Through Slim, Steinbeck uses him to show the problems in society at that time. Slim is the ideal friend and brings the best out of people. Also some people, when compared to Slim's God-like individuality, appear to be more spiteful and wicked. Slim also keeps reminding the reader of Lennie's strength but his incapability of controlling in.
In conclusion the theme of power in the novel is used to create a sense of strength and awareness. Also not just one character has all the power.
