Dignity In John Steinbeck's Grapes Of Wrath And Of Mice And Men

Dignity can be defined by Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as “the quality or state of being worthy, honored, or esteemed”. Often times, outcasts are portrayed as undignified in novels by the authors. In society in general, such people are seen as indecent and unworthy of respect. John Steinbeck dealt with this issue through a different point of view in his writing. In his novels Grapes of Wrath and Of Mice and Men Steinbeck depicts characters who live on the edge of society as people of dignity. John Steinbeck applies dignity to characters such as Tom Joad, Ma Joad, Slim, and Crooks by giving them strength. Tom Joad is shown to have dignity by Steinbeck through the characterization of strength. When Tom was first released from prison, he made

One of the supporting characters, Slim, is dignified throughout the entire book despite being a ranch worker. Steinbeck wrote, in regard to Slim, “There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all stopped when he spoke. His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love” (Of Mice 33). Not only is Slim a strong worker but he is also mentally strong. His mentality allows him to be a natural leader and lead a team of ranchers. Steinbeck characterizes Slim as being strong, powerful, and dignified from the very beginning of Slim’s role in the novella. Not only does Slim a strong leader of a team, but also of his own life. When accused of fooling around with Curley’s wife, Slim is quick to defend himself and stand up to Curley (Of Mice 62). Slim clearly is very self-confident and is brave enough to stand up to anyone to defend himself. Furthermore, the fact that Slim refuses Curley’s wife even after she makes advances on him shows that Slim is an honorable and dignified man. Even at times of tragedy Slim is there to support the group. When Curley’s wife was murdered and George had to shoot Lennie, Slim was the only rancher who understood and supported George in his time of sorrow (Of Mice 107). Had slim not had strength, George would have been left alone to wallow in sadness.The extreme strength portrayed through Slim’s character

Crooks was a black, physically disabled rancher. All of these combined caused him to be far from included in other’s activities and lives. All the same, Crooks refused to be pushed around by most. Crooks said to Lennie when he entered his room, “You got no right to come in my room. This here’s my room. Nobody got any right in here but me” (Of Mice 68). Although Lennie is eventually allowed into his room, Crooks would not stand for anyone disrespecting his rights. He had enough self-assurance to defend his space even though blacks would normally not speak up for themselves. Crooks believed he was worthy to his private place thus making him dignified. Crooks also refused charity. When Lennie and Candy spoke to him about their plans with the farm Crooks was very intrigued. At first thought, Crooks wanted to join them with their plans, but after some deliberation Crooks backed out (Of Mice 83). He had too much respect for himself to accept charity and live with people whom he would not be helpful to. Although it would have benefited him to live with them, Crooks exhibited his strength and chose the dignified route. The strength Crooks showed attributed him with