Of Mice and Men Theme of Weakness

Weakness in Of Mice and Men is as diverse as all the characters. Lennie is mentally weak, George can’t fight for his dream, and Curley resents being a smallish man. Weakness is a reality for nearly everyone on the ranch, but rather than subdue the characters, it forces them to brush up against each other and accept the fights (often inspired by their weakness) as they come. This might be because of the environment – on a ranch full of strong men and male bravado, weakness (whether it’s present in everyone or not) is frowned upon. Because characters often know their weaknesses, they’re quick to try to cover for them, which spells confrontation. It’s a typical bullying situation: characters’ weaknesses make them insecure, so they fight and judge others to avoid having their flaws exposed or exploited.

1. What are the various weaknesses of the novella’s different characters? Are any more serious than any others?
2. Does the interdependency of George and Lennie’s relationship make either of them weak?
3. Does Lennie think of himself as weak? How do we interpret his mental weakness relative to his physical strength? Which defines his character more?

Steinbeck writes such that those who are weak are pitied, while those who are strong are condemned.

Weakness is equated with goodness in Of Mice and Men.