6 Questions
What is the main reason for Curley's aggressive behavior towards others?
He wants to prove himself as a capable fighter
What is the symbolic significance of the farm in the novel?
It symbolizes the elusive American Dream
Why does George shoot Lennie at the end of the novel?
To save him from a brutal death at the hands of a lynch mob
What is the main theme of the novel that is highlighted through the characters of Curley's wife, Crooks, and Candy?
Loneliness and isolation, and the difficulties of migrant worker life
What is the reason for Lennie's love of soft things, like rabbits?
It highlights his childlike nature and mentality
What is the significance of Crooks' character in the novel?
He has a deep understanding of loneliness and isolation, which he shares with the other characters
Study Notes
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
Explore the themes, characters, and plot of John Steinbeck's classic novel Of Mice and Men, set during the Great Depression in California. Learn about George, Lennie, and their American Dream, as well as the loneliness, friendship, and violence that shape their story.
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