Representation Of Disability

Representation Of Disability

In the film Of Mice and Men there are many representations for the second main character Lennie, who is described throughout as unintelligent, childish and even animalistic, he also strives for George's approval. This is emphasized by this clip due to the fact that Lennie is dependent on George, who in some ways his opposite, but also how Lennie gets excited that he can remember illustrates the common stereotype of being pitiable, the fact that Lennie must have his card held by George in fear of loss reinforces this point clearly. Lennie acts very inane, especially when you notice his "bear like" size, however when he starts to cry, Lennie emphasizes the stereotype that mental disability is a burden and are impotent, but also that they are deserving of pity. The fact that the camera is nearly always on Lennie emphasizes that there is a common belief that those who are disabled are purely for observation and that their difference is highlighted and made fully aware. Lennie is also very humorous, not intentionally but do to the fact that his disability is unexpected to say the least. Due to his size, a child like man who plays with mice and enjoys soft things is in some ways make his represented personality a binary opposite to his physical stature and appearance. This emphasizes the view that those who are disabled are binary opposites to those who aren't.

In this clip, Lennie is alot different. Although at the start he is represented as the same as the first clip, in this clip the previous pitiable and pathetic Lennie is overwhelmed by the common stereotype that disabled people are sinister or evil such as Freddy Crueger  especially as Lennie finally shows his true strength. This in ways emphasizes the view of many people that disabled people need to be controlled a little but also indicates that the binary opposites that were discussed previously now come together. Which inevitably relays a new belief that those who are disabled and those who arent can come together.