Critics claim that the theme of Social Darwinism or the concept of the “survival of the Fittest” exists throughout this novella. Where do you find evidence of the theme or message of "Social Darwinism" within this novel?
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If you are unsure as to what Social Darwinism is, click on the hyperlinked term below:
Resource below:
(..."only the fittest organisms will prevail" (a view sometimes derided as "Social Darwinism." wikipedia.com)
During the time of the Great Depression, many people depended on various resources to survive the diffucult, economic situation. If one didn't have any resources or ways of getting cash, they unfortunately would have not have a choice but to either die of starvation, or resort to other desperate ways of getting money. Dreams would most likely not become a reality. The chances of having a dream come true would be very slim. In the case of George and Lennie, they wanted to have a place to call their own, almost like a sanctuary from the troubles of the world. A place where they could work as hard as they have to and all of their earnings would go towards them, and not anybody else. George, with his intelligence, and Lennie, with his strength, made a great team together to work towards the goal of inching closer and closer to their dreams. Lennie, being an unsually strong person, unfortunately didn't have the brains George would have. Having a mental disability and having an incredibly strong man at the same time isn't the best combination. Arguably, he would be able to survive against enemies, but how would he be able to take care of himself? being one of the "fittest" doesn't always help you, but being smart does. George would be the one who kept Lennie out of trouble in the first place. In order to get where they are right now in the story, he constantly had to get Lennie out of trouble, everytime Lennie unintensionally wanted to feel something soft. It's as if George was the parent trying to keep the child, Lennie, out of trouble. With his own wit, he alone would've been able to survive any obstacle that came his way. The most effective way one is to survive in this world is merely through intelligence.
ReplyDeleteDuring this time that was taken place in this book, life was about either surviving or dying. If you had luck and were wealthy and very fortunate, this problem didn't concern you. However, there were many people that had nothing and every day was a struggle. A struggle to find a place to eat, sleep, and a place that they could call home. Many men had dreams. Dreams that they would have the world and everyday would be a day to look forward too. Unfortunately, dreams usually never got to become reality. Reality was harsh and brutal. Far from what the definition of their own dream was. Lennie and George traveled together. They were poor and had no where to return too. Each and every day was an adventure. Like most people, Lennie and George had their dreams too. They wished for a place to call their own. A place where they wouldn't be taking orders and they had the freedom to do whatever they pleased. A place where they worked hard but in the end it paid off cause it was their work, not work being done for somebody else. This idea seemed realistic in their head because Lennie had strength and George had intelligence. Two very important characteristics a person should have to succeed. The fact that they were there for each other and worked hard to stay alive made surviving an option to them. Most dreams dont come true but if you try hard enough against all odds, and learn how to survive in the worst conditions makes a great definition of survival.
ReplyDeleteScored 3/15/11
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