Introduction
In this blog, I discuss a sticky social issue we are still trying to figure out by delving into John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men. Steinbeck drew inspiration from Robert Burns’ poem “To a Mouse” to write this novel—the novel centers on two migrant workers navigating California during the Great Depression. Lennie, one of the workers, is disabled and possesses the mental capacity of a young child.
George and Lennie – generated by NightCafe
Due to its themes of violence and profanity, “Of Mice and Men” has frequently contested the position of the top 100 banned books list in the United States for decades.
I am introducing this book as one of the banned books, but it was once a staple of the high school English curriculum—my husband included. This novel explains many literary tools and discusses social issues. My husband suggested that I read this novel parallel to a poem written by Robert Burns for a deeper understanding.
This novel is profoundly saddening. It moved me to tears when I read this novel the first time; if asked whether I liked it, I’d lean towards no, but I still recognize its significant literary value. Steinbeck tackles the uncomfortable social issues of how society treated mentally challenged people during that era.
Plot Summary of Of Mice and Men
The protagonists, George Milton and Lennie Small, are itinerant farmworkers in California. George is practical and intelligent, while Lennie is physically strong but mentally challenged. Lennie is a good worker but needs to be faster to understand things. Lennie has a penchant for soft and pretty things and loves touching them. When Lennie gets panicked or afraid, he has the habit of grabbing. Unfortunately, Lennie does not understand his strength, so he halts and breaks whatever he holds onto—which has caused trouble in the past.
They struggled to maintain one job for an extended period, possibly due to the Great Depression. Still, Lennie’s problematic behaviors added to the difficulty. George looked after Lennie, nurturing their shared dream of owning a 10-acre farm where Lennie hopes to raise rabbits.
Their dream almost becomes reality through a deal with Candy, another worker who proposes they buy a farm together. However, the plan unravels after Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife in a moment of panic—Curley is the jealous and aggressive farm owner. In a tragic turn, George decides to end Lennie’s life mercifully to spare him from Curley’s wrath, reminiscent of how Candy’s old dog was euthanized.
The History of Criminalizing Mental Illness
In the United States, individuals with behavioral issues were often forcibly placed into Insane Asylums. The asylum was constructed in the late 1800s and became overcrowded by the 1930s (Colorado College, 2016, para. 2-3).
Most patients had not committed any crimes; it was a preemptive measure. Some who had committed crimes may have been sent to asylums. Most of them ended up in a cell on death row. Back then, protections like the 8th Amendment did not apply, and many more individuals could be executed for their perceived crimes, as seen in early 20th-century cases.
I was digging into some of the old cases from the Early 1900s, such as Ed Hager’s 1909 case or Cruz Romero’s 1929 case (Colorado College, 2016, para. 13-14), which are great examples. From what I can see from the record, they should have been admitted to an institution instead of admitted into cells on death row.
No Interpretation of Mental Illness Until the ’50s
Despite evident mental incapacities, diagnoses of sanity persisted until the mid-20th century. For instance, the inability to recognize the insanity in individuals like Ed Hager and Cruz Romero highlights a lack of understanding of mental health issues until significant changes in 1952 (Colorado College, 2016, para. 5). Lennie’s character brings to mind these historical injustices, showing no comprehension of his actions yet dreaming of future rabbits.
Intellectual Disability and Punishment
The U.S. has come a long way. Awareness of mental health issues has improved, and the Constitution now forbids cruel punishments, as stated in our 8th Amendment, “… nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted”, including the execution of those with intellectual disabilities, as affirmed by the Atkins v. Virginia case (Atkins v. Virginia, n.d.).
Killing for Compassion – Did George Commit Mercy Killing or Murder?
The end of the story leads us to a complex question: Did George commit mercy killing or murder? Before delving into this, it’s worth noting the plot of Burns’ “To a Mouse.” The poem discusses life’s unpredictability for both humans and animals, illustrated by the accidental destruction of a mouse’s nest. Humans will remember the tragedy as a bad memory and fear for the future. On the other hand, animals cannot. Just as the mouse is unaware of its bleak future, Lennie is unaware of the imminent threat from Curley and his men, nor are any criminal charges imposed upon him. George’s act can thus be seen as one of compassion, sparing Lennie from a future he couldn’t grasp, much like the speaker’s pity for the mouse.
Since the story ends here, we would not know what happened to George after this incident. He may be charged with the murder of Goerge.
Conclusion
I learned critical moral lessons from this book: Exploring “Of Mice and Men” alongside historical perspectives on mental illness. I realized that anyone can experience unexpected tragedy and the cruelty of fate. Moreover, I learned the importance of having empathy, regardless of our status or significance.
Additionally, exploring the poignant verses of Robert Burns’s “To a Mouse” enriches our understanding of George and Lennie’s tragic story. While the novel leaves us with heavy hearts, it also invites reflection on broader societal issues—mainly how we treat the most vulnerable.
Steinbeck’s narrative is a tale of friendship and shattered dreams and a timeless reminder of the importance of empathy and the complexities surrounding moral decisions. As we close this discussion, let me carry forward the lessons learned from George and Lennie’s journey, recognizing the profound impact of literature in echoing the call for humanity and compassion in our ongoing dialogue about mental health and justice.
Do you want to read Other Posts like this? Click this link. Read These Banned Books
References
Atkins v. Virginia. (n.d.). Oyez. Retrieved July 10, 2024, from https://www.oyez.org/cases/2001/00-8452 Colorado College. (2016, June 28).
Criminalization of Mental Illness. Past, Present, Prison. https://sites.coloradocollege.edu/hip/mentally-ill-and-the-penal-system/