Survival in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men Essay Example

Survival of the fittest is an evolutionary theory that states that organisms best adapted to their environments are the ones that are most likely to survive and reproduce. Essentially, the strong are able to get through life fairly well while the weaker struggle to stay alive. This idea of the weaker and stronger is commonly used as a theme in various pieces of literature. In one such piece of literature, Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck, this theme is shown to be prevalent through the characters that experience its effects. In order to create a theme of survival of the fittest, Steinbeck uses examples of mental, physical, and societal strength and weaknesses throughout his novel.

One of Steinbeck’s best aspects of being fit to survive is the inclusion of varying mental toughness found within his characters. Mental strength could potentially be an individual's make or break trait. One example of great mental strength is found in the scene where "George raised the gun and steadied it” (Steinbeck 106). George proceeds to shoot Lennie, his best friend, in the head. This shows tremendous mental strength as if George wasn't able to continue with the execution of his best friend, they both could have been killed. This being said, it is clear that Steinbeck uses this as an example to prove that only the fittest will survive. 

An additional concept within the theme of survival of the fittest is that physical strength may play a huge role in who survives and who doesn't. Steinbeck has many points throughout the novel showing how physical strength can affect certain situations. One sample Steinbeck uses to show this is when George tells the boss that Lennie is “Strong as a bull” (Steinbeck 22). After all Lennie's strength is the only thing he has going for him considering he is mentally disabled and nearly worthless without George by his side. Therefore that will also play a giant role in the theme of survival of the fittest.

One more example to support the theme of survival of the fittest is societal strength. Societal strength plays a major part in the race/gender aspect of the novel showing who has more power over one another. This can be shown by Curley’s wife saying “You know what I can do to you if you open your trap?” (Steinbeck 80). Curley’s wife felt she had more power over Crooks simply because of their difference in skin color. That being said, she had potential to get him killed based on the societal ranking differences therefore proving yet again displaying one of Steinbeck’s themes that only the fittest will survive. 

All things considered, for the fittest to survive it is crucial for them to be able to adapt to their environment.  Mental, physical, and societal strength and weaknesses play a large role throughout the novel and are pivotal to Steinbeck’s theme of survival of the fittest. At the end of of Mice and Men, some of Steinbeck's characters survive and others do not. Only those who are strongest in these categories are the ones who survive. The individuals who do not either fall or will continue to struggle throughout life.

Works Cited

Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York, N.Y., U.S.A: Penguin Books, 1994.