Intellectual Disability in American Literature with Reference To John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men

Abstract

Disability is a recurring theme in literature across all periods and genres. It is a term for physical or mental conditions that limit a person's movements, senses, or activities. The discourse surrounding disability has existed in culture and literature for a long time, predating the 1990s. This paper will examine Intellectual Disability in American Literature, with reference to Of Mice and Men, to provide valuable context for understanding the characters' actions and their consequences for their lives. It will explore societal perceptions and treatment of individuals with disabilities, shedding light on their challenges and the need for empathy and understanding. It will also examine the historical and cultural factors that shaped the portrayal of disability in American literature at the time Of Mice and Men was written, providing valuable context for understanding the novel's attitudes and representations of disability. Further, the paper will analyse the impact of disability on the characters' identities and relationships in Of Mice and Men, shedding light on how intellectual disability shapes their experiences and worldview.