Introduction
“Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck and the 1994 film “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” both provide poignant studies into human relationships, personal dreams, and the sacrifices of caring for a disabled person. Although placed in dramatically different settings – Steinbeck’s work in California during the Great Depression and the film in a small Iowa town during the 1990’s – both narratives explore the intricacies of family relationships, societal norms, and the pursuit of a better life. This comparison demonstrates thematic similarities and differences in how both narratives deal with the issues of responsibility, freedom, and quest for happiness in a framework of care-giving.
Themes of Dreams and Reality
The dreams of the characters in either of the two works are contrasted sharply with cruel realities. George and Lennie in “Of Mice and Men” have a dream of owning a piece of land which is a symbol of freedom and happiness (Steinbeck 7). In the movie “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape,” Gilbert too dreams of leaving his small-town life of monopoly and his overwhelming obligations to his family (Hallström, 0:3:03 – 0: 3:15). Nevertheless, both stories reflect the fickle character of those dreams, restricted by social and personal responsibilities. The harsh fact of caregiving roles and social exile sets the backdrop to the characters’ battles, highlighting the impossibility of fulfilling personal ambitions in the face of such realities.
Characters and Relationships is the title of the chapter.
The main relationships in both stories highlight the burden of care. In the novel, “Of Mice and Men,” George’s protective watch over Lennie, who is mentally challenged, illustrates the themes of sacrifice and loyalty (Steinbeck 3). In the same manner, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” discusses Gilbert’s ambivalent feelings of love, irritancy and liability towards his autistic brother Arnie and over-weighted mother (Hallström, 0:2:13 – 0:2:26). The two sets of characters display the power of caregiving bonds, as well as the price of care, while the care givers suffer from their own inner conflicts about duty versus desire for freedom.
Setting and Social Constraints
The environments in which both stories take place have a profound effect on the narrative arcs and the lives of the characters. The transient lifestyle that economic desperation of the Great Depression forced George and Lennie into is in stark contrast to the static nature of Gilbert’s life in Endora, which feels just as limiting because of the lack of potential for meaningful opportunities (Hallström, 1:17:04-1:17:10). This setting, in both novels, highlights the societal constraints that determine the lives of characters, ranging from poverty and job disinvestment in “Of Mice and Men” to small-town gossip and ignorance of disability in “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” Both environments serve as a setting through which to explore the impact of societal pressures on caregiving, and on how societal norms can stifle the individual, challenging
Disability and Caring
The representation of disability in both Steinbeck’s text and the movie is charged with an emphasis on care and dependence. The novella “Of Mice and Men” is the story of Lennie, his disability, and the attentions it commands; it is also the story of George, his actions, and the way the society sees the mentally unfit. Likewise, “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” represents the Grape family dynamics within Arnie’s autism and their mother’s obesity, showing the influence of disability on the family roles and relationships (Hallström, 1:27:01-1:27:08). While, both stories highlight the stigma attached to disability and the struggle it entails, they also confirm the humanity and love that prevails in care giving relationships.
Conclusion
Through their study of dreams, relationships, and the art of caregiving, both John Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” and “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” offer a deeper understanding of the human condition. Although their settings and contexts are different, both stories reflect the universal elements of love, responsibility, and seeking personal freedom within the social constraints of caregiving roles. By presenting complex characters and interrelationships, both stories emphasize the human spirit’s ability to overcome life’s hardships.
Works Cited
Hallström, Lasse. “What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.” Paramount Pictures, Myriad Pictures, Paramount, 1993, www.youtube.com/watch?v=qZMMUAtuWXw. Accessed 1 Apr. 2024.
Steinbeck, John. Of mice and men. Penguin, 1994.
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