Of mice and men theme power Essay

By examining the relationship between the protagonist geroge and lennie , and the relationship between curly and his wife, this response will attempt to argue that indeed the only power others have over us , is the power we give them. this response will also attempt to examine techniques and description to make and shape meaning in the world of this novel. How Power is Presented in Of Mice and Men The theme of power in Of Mice and Men is presented by Steinbeck in a variety of ways, including characterisation, dialogue and imagery. The main themes of power in the novella include physical power, seduction and the power of hierarchy. The theme of physical power is mainly represented through the character Lennie. The power of seduction is shown through Curley’s wife. Whereas the power of hierarchy is portrayed through the Boss, Slim and Curly. In the novella Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck presents physical power through the character Lennie Small. Lennie is a huge character, with immense physical strength. We can deduce this, from the opening description â€Å"A huge man† . The description here has foreshadowed Lennie’s physical stature and strength. His physical power, is a recurring theme throughout the novella. It is again shown, when George talks to Slim about his previous life with Lennie, â€Å"coulda bust every bone in my body†. Here through the use of dialogue, the reader is shown the physical power Lennie has over George. It is ironic, that even though Lennie has the advantage of physical power. George is the more dominant one. We can see this, by the way George reprimands Lennie for disobeying instructions, â€Å"you wasn’t gonna say a word†. This dialogue, foreshadows Lennie’s lack of mental power, to follow George’s instructions. Curley, The Boss and George are all connected because they have power over someone. In the Novella, The boss is in control of everything. Also he answers to no one. â€Å"Hey, what’s your stake in this guy†. This dialogue is between George and The Boss, he is questioning George on his power over Lennie. This quote shows that he can control who works for him and who doesn’t. He can fire someone just be cause he doesn’t  like them.