Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men Question

The author has assembled the “outsiders” of his cast of characters in this chapter: the old cripple, the Negro, the woman who poses a threat to all of the men, and Lennie, who is mentally disabled. Explain why Crooks, Candy and Curley’s wife each say something hurtful to someone else, even though they are victims themselves.

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People are so isolated and vulnerable on this ranch. The socially "weakest" are left at the bottom and go after each other just to feel a small sense of power in their powerless lives. Curley's wife is perhaps the worst off. She is so victimised, that she doesn't even get a name. She is merely Curley's wife: his property. She eventually goes after Crooks when he attempts to stand up for himself. Hurting someone else makes her temporarily feel a little better about her miserable life.