Since the public schools, especially in towns where there
is only one, are a microcosm for society, and since the bunkhouse represents a male
society, there can be parallels drawn between life in John Steinbeck's Of Mice
and Men and high school life. In fact, there was a movie made years ago
about an intelligent, but non-physical student who became friends with a tall, big-boned
boy who could protect him from bullies. As the film progresses, the boys get to know
each other and become friends; the bigger boy's shyness leaves him around the smaller
boy and their relationship deepens.
And, while there are
individuals who compose every group in school and society, there are, nevertheless,
those "types" who emerge from these groups. For instance, Curley typifies the bully who
purposely challenges others; Carlson is the big, athletic type who dominates the group;
Candy the disabled, Lennie the special needs, and Crooks the "odd ball" whether
because of race or for some other reason. Curley's wife is the dangerous flirt who goes
with the bully, but loves the attention of others. And, then, there is Slim, the loner
with charisma; he is the maverick that everyone secretly admires. George is the
intelligent, but cautious type while Lennie is the follower, not bright, but easy to
manipulate. As in Steinbeck's novella, all of these types vie for their place on the
rungs of their little society, be it on a working ranch or in a
school.
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