Of Mice and Men Theme of Violence

Violence in Of Mice and Men is an everyday reality. Along with the backbreaking work that comes from being a ranch-man, there’s a significant degree of masculine bravado that allows for fights, threats, and general meanness. Violence in the novella is physical, psychological, and emotional. Characters are so accustomed to suspicion and failure that they treat each other cruelly, willing to abuse the dreams and the bodies of others as though it were more natural to destroy than to cultivate. In some ways, violence is a natural outlet for all of the despair and limited possibilities that define the ranch.

1. How do Lennie’s violent tendencies color our interpretation of his character? Do we ever think of Lennie as violent?
2. Is violence an acceptable part of life on the ranch?
3. Does Lennie know his own strength, and just not think violence is that big a deal? How else can we explain him yelling at the puppy for "getting himself killed"?
4. Is Lennie’s death ultimately a violent act or a loving act by George?

While the violence in this book is more physical than psychological, the latter is more powerful and significant.

While the violence in this book is more physical than psychological, the former is more powerful and significant.

Violence is depicted as a necessary part of justice.