social hierarchy in of mice and men

Social Hierarchy is a system in which classes exist, with certain classes being 'above' others. Since the beginning of society men have almost always followed a social hierarchy. John Steinbeck recreates the social structure during the great depression in his novella Of Mice and Men. In the novel all of the characters fall into three classes in proportion to their ability. All of the characters in the novella can be put into a pyramid. People at the bottom tier of the pyramid are treated differently and discriminated by their gender, race, and disabilities. First, L is one of John Steinbeck’s examples of what he believes is at the bottom of the social pyramid. L is stuck at the bottom because he is mentally challenged. Although L cannot help his disability he has no chance of moving up because of it. Secondly, Crooks, another character in the novella is also stuck at the bottom of the social hierarchical chain because of discrimination. He is discriminated against racially and also because he is handicapped. C works in the stables and tends to the horses; he also lives alone because he is the only black man who works on the ranch. "S'pose you didn't have nobody. S'pose you couldn't go into the bunkhouse and play rummy 'cause you was black. How'd you like that (p.80.) Third, the one of the last people at the bottom of the pyramid is Curly’s wife. She is at the bottom because she is a female. She is not even given a name throughout the novel. Lastly, Candy is the most powerful character at the bottom of the pyramid. Although he has a physical disability he is very respected throughout the ranch because he is the oldest. The people at the bottom of the pyramid are stuck there for things they can not control. The “middle” tier of the pyramid consists of George, Carlson and Slim. First, George is L’s only friend. G is a very hard worker, and has the chance to move up higher in society but L hampers him. G cares a lot about L, but knows that if L is still around he