Of Mice and Men Inquiry

Of Mice and Men Inquiry

How is the lack of voice in an individual a product of society?

Many of the characters from Of Mice and Men demonstrate a lack of voice, taken away by another or a group. For example, Lennie is not allowed to speak or interact with people outside of George’s control, “So you wasn’t gonna say a word. You was gonna leave your big flapper shut and leave me do the talkin’. Damn near lost us the job.” (Steinbeck, page 13)  George has to take away Lennie’s voice because of how society reacts to people like Lennie.  In Weed, Lennie grabbed a girl’s dress, and was accused of rape even though he wanted to feel the material of the dress.  If George was not there to take away his voice and control his actions, Lennie would have been lynched.

The lack of voice in an individual is caused by the perceptions and reactions of society. Lennie 

could not speak his mind or act the way he wanted to because of society’s perception of him. They 

see him as a big strong man, unknown to them he is mentally handicapped, and their reaction to 

when Lennie seemingly assaults a girl is to lynch him. People have to speak and act within social 

boundaries to remain safe.