Thursday, August 14, 2014

What are some quotes about fairness in chapter 2 of Of Mice And Men?

In chapter 2, George and Lennie arrive at the bunkhouse of their new ranch job. Curley, the owner's son comes in and throws his weight around. He's a small man and fighter, but it seems unfair that if he wins a fight against a bigger man people are impressed but if a bigger man wins it seems unfair: 


“Well, Curley’s pretty handy,” the swamper said skeptically. “Never did seem right to me. S’pose Curley jumps...

In chapter 2, George and Lennie arrive at the bunkhouse of their new ranch job. Curley, the owner's son comes in and throws his weight around. He's a small man and fighter, but it seems unfair that if he wins a fight against a bigger man people are impressed but if a bigger man wins it seems unfair: 



“Well, Curley’s pretty handy,” the swamper said skeptically. “Never did seem right to me. S’pose Curley jumps a big guy an’ licks him. Ever’body says what a game guy Curley is. And s’pose he does the same thing and gets licked. Then ever’body says the big guy oughtta pick somebody his own size, and maybe they gang up on the big guy. Never did seem right to me. Seems like Curley ain’t givin’ nobody a chance.”



What it comes down to is that Curley has an unfair advantage because he is the owner's son: "Won’t ever get canned ‘cause his old man’s the boss." 


George gets increasingly worried that Curley will try to provoke Lennie and that because he's the boss's son and a bully, Lennie won't stand a chance. Here we see George understanding that life is unfair:



 Like the old guy says, Curley don’t take no chances. He always wins.” He thought for a moment. “If he tangles with you, Lennie, we’re gonna get the can. Don’t make no mistake about that. He’s the boss’s son. Look, Lennie. You try to keep away from him, will you? Don’t never speak to him. If he comes in here you move clear to the other side of the room. Will you do that, Lennie?”



In this world, the boss and the boss's son have the power and men like Lennie and George have to be careful and make sure they don't get put in a position where they can be treated unfairly. 

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