Of Mice and Men

Definition

Of Mice and Men is a novella written by John Steinbeck, published in 1937, that tells the story of two displaced ranch workers during the Great Depression in California. The novella explores themes of friendship, dreams, loneliness, and the harsh realities of life for the working class, highlighting the struggles faced by itinerant laborers as they pursue their aspirations amidst an unforgiving environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The story revolves around two main characters, George Milton and Lennie Small, who share a deep bond but are challenged by Lennie's mental disability.
2. Steinbeck uses the setting of a California ranch to illustrate the isolation and struggles of migrant workers during the Great Depression.
3. Themes of dreams and aspirations are central to the narrative, as George and Lennie dream of owning their own piece of land as a means to escape their current plight.
4. The novella's title is derived from a Robert Burns poem, which reflects the fragility of human plans and aspirations.
5. Of Mice and Men highlights social issues such as racism, sexism, and economic inequality through its diverse cast of characters, each representing different facets of society.

Review Questions

• How do George and Lennie's relationship reflect the broader themes of friendship and isolation within Of Mice and Men?
  • George and Lennie's relationship exemplifies the importance of companionship in a world filled with loneliness. Their bond provides emotional support against the backdrop of isolation that many itinerant workers face during the Great Depression. While George takes on a protective role for Lennie, their friendship also emphasizes how difficult it is for individuals to maintain connections in such harsh conditions, ultimately highlighting the need for human connection amidst adversity.
• Analyze how Steinbeck's portrayal of dreams influences the characters' motivations and actions in Of Mice and Men.
  • Steinbeck's portrayal of dreams serves as a driving force behind the characters' motivations and actions throughout Of Mice and Men. For George and Lennie, their shared dream of owning a piece of land represents hope for a better future and an escape from their struggles. This dream fuels their determination to endure harsh realities. However, Steinbeck also illustrates how unattainable these dreams can be, emphasizing the disillusionment faced by many during the Great Depression as their aspirations often collide with reality.
• Evaluate the impact of socio-economic factors portrayed in Of Mice and Men on the lives of the characters and their pursuit of happiness.
  • The socio-economic factors portrayed in Of Mice and Men significantly impact the characters' lives and their pursuit of happiness. The Great Depression creates an environment where job security is nonexistent, leading to poverty and desperation among migrant workers. Characters like Crooks, Curley's wife, and Candy represent marginalized voices affected by systemic racism, sexism, and ageism. Their struggles reveal how social hierarchies and economic challenges hinder individual aspirations, emphasizing that for many, achieving happiness is a continuous battle against societal constraints.

Related terms

Great Depression:

A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, resulting in mass unemployment and widespread hardship.

American Dream:

The national ethos of the United States that emphasizes the idea of freedom and opportunity for all individuals to achieve their goals through hard work.

Characterization: The method used by an author to develop and convey the personalities, motivations, and complexities of characters within a narrative.