Of Mice and Men. Gender Race and Power Essay Example

be controlled but she was subject to gossip. While searching for Curley in the barn, she encountered Crooks, Lennie, and Candy engaged in conversation. As she continued to talk excessively, Crooks became increasingly furious and confronted her. In response, she threatened to hang him. "Do you know what I could do?" ... "Well, you better stay in your place, Nigger."

Due to her gender, Curley's wife is marginalized and experiences feelings of isolation and insignificance. Despite possessing personal power, societal expectations restrict it, resulting in her feeling alone. To convey her loneliness, she expresses the desire to talk to someone, expressing, "Why can't I talk to you? I never get to talk to anybody. I get extremely lonely." (86) Although her gender, race, and power are evident, the emotional connection she has with her lifestyle is not emphasized.

Despite her displayed emotions, she is an insecure and somewhat callous woman. Although Crooks, being a Black man, acknowledges himself as an exceptional worker. When conversing with Lennie and Candy, he experiences a mixture of pleasure and anger. The entrance of Curley's wife instills feelings of inferiority and fear in him, causing him to realize that he has lost authority and privileges over his own room because of his race and his past defiance towards her. He is aware of the potential consequences for his actions, as she reminds him by saying, "You know what I could do?". She further asserts her dominance by commanding him to "keep your place then...."

I could easily get you strung up, and trust me, it's not a funny matter. This statement (80, 81) exemplifies the power dynamics at play between a white

female and the boss' son's wife. As a result, he felt isolated and alone, realizing the harsh reality of how white people can be cruel. This realization occurred as he grew older, shaped by his living conditions and the way he was treated. He expressed his plight by saying, "Why aren't you wanted?... Because I'm black. They play cards in there, but I'm unable to join due to my race..." (68).

This passage highlights the discrimination faced by black individuals, such as Crooks, who were excluded from numerous activities due to their race. Despite being detached from others, Crooks was a good person who had insecurities and worked hard. Today, gender, race, and power remain prominent factors in economic and political spheres. Some argue that women are unfit for governing a country, while African Americans and Latinos often struggle to find well-paying jobs due to their identity. In the novel, isolation was a common experience for characters like Curley's wife and Crooks.

Curley and his Wife, although they faced cockiness and loneliness, possessed more privileges than others on the ranch. However, their authority resulted in a lack of respect from their peers.