Since the very beginning of John Steinbeck's classic short story, Of Mice and Men, the theme of outcasts has been prevalent. The characters in this story all struggle in one way or another, but none more so than Lennie, a mentally handicapped man who becomes an outcast on the ranch. This essay will explore how Lennie is portrayed as an outcast through his physical appearance, his struggle with social interactions, and the isolation he experiences on the ranch. By analyzing these aspects, we can understand the challenges Lennie faces as an outcast and the impact this has on his relationships and his own sense of belonging. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Lennie's physical appearance immediately sets him apart from the other ranch hands. He is described as “an immense man, with a shapeless face, and large pale eyes” (Steinbeck 9). This physicality makes Lennie an outcast on the ranch, as he is seen as different and not conforming to societal norms. The ranch hands, who are mostly portrayed as strong and independent, view Lennie's appearance with suspicion, even fear. This is evident when Slim, one of the workers, says, "It's funny how you and him get together" (Steinbeck 40), implying that Lennie's presence with his companion George is unusual and unexpected. Lennie's physical appearance not only sets him apart, but also contributes to his outcast status on the ranch. Lennie's mental disability makes it difficult for him to manage social interactions, further isolating him from the other members of the ranch. They often don't understand social cues and norms, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. For example, when Curley's wife flirts with him, Lennie innocently engages with her, without realizing the consequences of his actions. This interaction ultimately leads to tragedy when Lennie accidentally kills her. Lennie's struggle with social interactions is highlighted by George, who repeatedly tells him to stay away from people and keep quiet. George's instructions are not only to keep Lennie safe but also to prevent him from being judged and rejected by others. Lennie's difficulty understanding and engaging in social interactions reinforces his outcast status at the ranch. Lennie's isolation at the ranch is evident in the way he is treated by the other workers. They often mock and ridicule him, thereby exacerbating his feelings of loneliness and alienation. An example of this is when Carlson, another ranch employee, says, "He's not cuckoo" (Steinbeck 47) after Lennie's intellectual disability is called into question. This derogatory statement reflects the workers' attitude towards Lennie, seeing him as less than human and not deserving of respect. Additionally, Lennie's isolation is reinforced by the fact that he and George are the only ones who travel together and maintain a close bond. This bond, while providing some comfort, also sets them apart from the rest of the ranch workers. Lennie's isolation at the ranch is a constant reminder of his outcast status and his struggle to find a place where he truly belongs. In Of Mice and Men, Lennie is portrayed as a ranch outcast through his physical appearance, his struggle with social interactions. , and the isolation he experiences. His physique immediately sets him apart, making him different from other workers. His difficulty understanding social cues further isolates him, as he often unintentionally provokes conflict. The way he is treated by other workers highlights., 1993.