Countering Negative Images of Disability in Classical Literature

The sinister hump of Richard III, the evil prothesis of Captain Hook, the fear-inducing, thumping wooden leg of Captain Ahab, and the pitiable crutch of Tiny Tim are all allegorical symbols in our culture. Because books, especially classics, are powerful tools by which civilization perpetuates its values, English teachers have a unique opportunity and responsibility to counter the injustice suffered by truly disabled persons caused by such negative stereotypical portrayals. The fact that the message appears in a classic gives it respectability and even prestige, making it difficult for those with real disabilities to overcome deeply entrenched, complex prejudices (Thurer, 1980). Lenny, the mentally retarded character in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men who killed living thingsincluding a young woman-because he was unaware of his own strength, is an image that may very well be involved in the minds of those who oppose group homes for the developmentally disabled (Biklen and Bogdan, 1977). Steinbeck's Lenny was based on the image of "the moron as a menace" popular during the early part of this century. Kanner (1964) captured the essence of this image when he noted that