How is George powerful and powerless in Of Mice and Men?
You could argue that he is “powerful” in the sense that he fits in to the social norm of people back in the Depression Era. For example, he is white, male, healthy, and a decent worker. However, he could also be considered powerless because he’s just like every other worker on the ranch, and is obligated to keep his head down in the presence of Curly. Curley: He’s a pretty aggressive guy who is self-conscious about his size. He’s also overprotective and suspicious about his wife in the presence of other men. He has a fair amount of power, considering that he is the Boss’s son Curley’s Wife: She is often shunned by the other men and is labeled by many as a whore. She is also very “tempting” based on the way she dresses and acts. She is a victim of sexism throughout the book. Slim: He’s a well-respected guy on the farm and is looked up by many for advice. He understands the mentality of the ranch and understands the bond between Lennie and George. The Boss: He’s not that big of a charact
