Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath
Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of WrathWhich is a Better Portrayal, Anyways?
Throughout reading John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men and viewing the video The Grapes of Wrath, the reader will begin to question the presentations as to which portrayal of the Great Depression is more realistic and accurate. We all know that the Great Depression was a time of economic struggle in America, as well as a time of war in Germany. Unfortunately America has only viewed the Great Depression on a bit picture basis, not having the chance to see the lives of one or a few of Americans until we begin to read of the events that went on during the Depression. America has the privilege of seeing the lives of two American families: the Joad Family of The Grapes of Wrath and a pair of misfit friends, George and Lennie, shown in Of Mice and Men. While analyzing the two families the reader begins to wonder which group did a better job showing America the real view of the Great Depression. The basic conclusions is that The Grapes of Wrath is more realistic based on three main themes of the stories: Job situation, relationships with other people, and the family’s goals in ending the Great Depression.
In Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie have a steady job for the most part. Although their work isn’t always the greatest, they always have a source of income and housing as well as the knowledge that if they continued to do good work that they would have a job for as long as they would stay. They know this because of a man they meet at their latest job, named Candy. Candy has been working at the farm for a very long time. An obvious intimation that work at the farm is available for long lengths of time. As far as George and Lennie can see they are set for now. They can’t imagine a better way to live during the depression than with decent wages, housing, and a steady flow of work. George and Lennie’s situation during the Great Depression is also very easy because they have friends during the depression. Anywhere the two of them work not only do they have each other, but easily make friends at their job sites. The Great Depression is a time when one would need good friends to help you make it through the rough times. George and Lennie meet Slim and Candy at their job, and it seems to help them survive the road ahead. The two even befriend a black man, Crooks.
“What you doin’ in
Crooks’ room. you hadn’t ought to be in here.”
Crooks nodded. “I told’ ‘em, but they come in
anyways.”
“Well, why’n’t you kick ‘em out?”
“I di’n’t care much,” said Crooks. “Lennie’s a nice
fella.” (Page 82)
Furthermore, George...
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