Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Context and Background

• Published in 1937 by John Steinbeck
• Set during the Great Depression in California, USA
• Based on Steinbeck's own experiences as a ranch hand

Plot Summary

• The story follows two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small
• Lennie is a giant of a man with incredible physical strength, but limited intelligence
• George looks out for Lennie like a protective older brother
• They share a dream of owning a farm one day
• They get work on a ranch, but things take a tragic turn when Lennie accidentally kills the boss's daughter-in-law, Curley's wife
• George is forced to shoot Lennie to save him from a brutal death at the hands of a lynch mob

Characters

George Milton

• Small, smart, and resourceful
• Looks out for Lennie like a protective older brother
• Has a dream of owning a farm one day

Lennie Small

• Giant of a man with incredible physical strength
• Limited intelligence and childlike mentality
• Loves soft things, like rabbits

Curley

• Son of the ranch boss
• Mean and aggressive
• Picks fights with bigger men to prove himself

Curley's Wife

• Lonely and flirtatious
• Desperate for attention and companionship
• Causes trouble by flirting with the ranch hands

Candy

• Old ranch hand who has lost his hand
• Shares George and Lennie's dream of a farm
• Loses his dog, which is shot by Carlson

Crooks

• African American ranch hand
• Lives in the barn, segregated from the others
• Has a deep understanding of loneliness and isolation

Themes

The American Dream

• George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm
• Illusion of a better life, which is ultimately crushed

Loneliness and Isolation

• Crooks, Curley's wife, and Candy are all lonely and isolated
• Highlights the difficulties of migrant worker life

Friendship and Loyalty

• George and Lennie's bond is strong, despite their differences
• George's sacrifice at the end shows the depth of their friendship

Violence and Death

• Lennie's accidental killing of Curley's wife
• George's mercy killing of Lennie to save him from a brutal death

Symbolism

The Farm

• Represents a better life and a sense of belonging
• Symbolizes the elusive American Dream

Rabbits

• Represent a sense of comfort and security
• Lennie's love of soft things, like rabbits, highlights his childlike nature