Abstract:

This article explores John Steinbeck’s portrayal of men and their problematic masculinities in Of Mice and Men, by using masculinity studies and the novella’s cultural context. It argues that the represented men attempt but fail to secure traditional masculine traits during the 1930s in America. This struggle is shared among all the male characters regardless of their strength, resilience, marital position, or social background. Steinbeck represents the muscular Lennie as behaving like a child. Slim, the charismatic character, embodies a “new masculinity” that challenges traditional roles like starting and financing a family while displaying emotional intimacy with other men (Falabella 2000: 64). George, who supports Lennie, is likewise weakened by his single status, working-class background, and failure to achieve the American Dream. Curley, a middle-class man, exhibits a lack of virility, financial independence, and physical strength. He also shows insecurity when subjugating his wife and workers. Crooks, the African American worker, has problems in performing masculinity traits, especially when Curley’s wife insults him. The article discusses how the social construction of masculinity attributed contradictory traits to men. It concludes that masculinity is disrupted under class and racial oppression, highlighting how men struggled to maintain their identities during the Depression. Keywords: depression decade, John Steinbeck, masculinity, men