The Jealousy Of Power In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

American statesman and former president of the United States, John Adams questioned if it, “Is the jealousy of power, and the envy of superiority, so strong in all men, that no considerations of public or private utility are sufficient to engage their submission to rules for their own happiness?” But fails to challenge if ambition, thoughts, and the barrier of vulnerability are commonalities that contribute to the constant need for power. Both ideas are prevalent in Of Mice and Men, a story that takes place in the times of the great depression and is ruled by men who are constantly striving to be superior than the rest. Specifically, throughout the book John Steinbeck illustrates how people often use power and predatory instinct to take advantage of others to combat the reality of their own

George had to cover up his tracks for, he had had the gun all along and planned on taking Lennie’s life. While the intentions were beneficial in most circumstances, George ultimately conveyed his authority yet again by proving how he physically overpowered Lennie to then put him out of constant anguish.
Companionship is commonplace in our society but was feared for many years during the depression. Many were often hesitant to reach out when in a state of agony, sadness, or isolation, and were not aware that these feelings were mutual among other vpeople. Without George and Lennie’s bond, the characters would not have seen what it was like to have someone to rely on, however, their friendship could not fully thrive in a society where everybody constantly was striving to outdo each other. Being vulnerable was something to be feared in a world driven by survival of the fittest and with predators who emerged the need for