This article explores the dynamics of social marginalization through the representation of the “little man” character in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men. As one of the most influential American writers of the twentieth century, J.Steinbeck consistently focused on the lives of socially vulnerable individuals whose existence was shaped by poverty, exclusion, and limited opportunities. Set against the socio-economic backdrop of the Great Depression, the novella presents a realistic portrayal of marginalized people struggling to survive within a harsh and unequal social order. The study investigates how J. Steinbeck constructs the “little man” archetype through a range of characters, including George Milton, Lennie Small, Candy, Crooks, and Curley’s wife, each of whom experiences different forms of social exclusion based on class, disability, age, race, or gender. Employing a socio-literary and comparative analytical approach, the article examines the mechanisms through which marginalization operates in the narrative and influences the characters’ identities, interpersonal relationships, and life trajectories. Particular attention is paid to the intersection of economic insecurity and social discrimination, revealing how structural inequalities restrict the characters’ ability to achieve social mobility and personal fulfillment. The study further analyzes the symbolic significance of the American Dream as a source of hope for marginalized individuals and demonstrates how its eventual collapse reflects the broader failure of social institutions to provide equal opportunities. The findings suggest that Steinbeck portrays social marginalization not merely as an individual condition but as a systemic phenomenon embedded within the economic and cultural structures of American society during the 1930s. Through the tragic experiences of the novella’s characters, the author exposes the consequences of loneliness, prejudice, and powerlessness while emphasizing the universal human need for dignity, belonging, and recognition. Ultimately, Of Mice and Men presents the “little man” as a powerful literary symbol of human vulnerability in the face of oppressive social realities, making the novella a significant contribution to discussions of social justice and literary representations of marginalized communities.
Valiyeva Shukufa Chingiz gizi (Thu,) studied this question.