10 Questions
What is the publication year of the novella 'Of Mice and Men'?
1937
Who are the main characters in 'Of Mice and Men'?
George Milton and Lennie Small
What was the setting of the story?
California during the Great Depression in the United States
What inspired John Steinbeck to write 'Of Mice and Men'?
His own experiences working with migrant farm workers as a teenager
From which poem did John Steinbeck take the title of the novella?
Robert Burns' poem 'To a Mouse'
What is the historical context in which 'Of Mice and Men' is set?
The Great Depression in the United States
What is the source of the title 'Of Mice and Men'?
Robert Burns' Scots language poem 'To a Mouse'
Why has 'Of Mice and Men' been a target of censorship?
For vulgarity and what some consider offensive and racist language
What other novel did John Steinbeck write, inspired by his experiences working alongside migrant farm workers?
The Grapes of Wrath
What is the significance of the phrase 'The best laid plans of mice and men / Often go awry'?
It represents the unpredictable nature of life
Study Notes
Of Mice and Men
- The novella 'Of Mice and Men' was published in 1937.
- The main characters in the novella are George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant farm workers.
Setting
- The story is set in California during the Great Depression.
Inspiration
- John Steinbeck was inspired to write 'Of Mice and Men' based on his own experiences working alongside migrant farm workers.
Title Origin
- The title of the novella 'Of Mice and Men' is taken from the poem "To a Mouse" by Robert Burns.
- The source of the title is the poem's phrase "The best laid plans of mice and men / Often go awry", which reflects the theme of the novella.
Historical Context
- The novella is set in the Great Depression, a time of economic hardship and widespread unemployment.
Censorship
- 'Of Mice and Men' has been a target of censorship due to its strong language, violence, and controversial themes.
John Steinbeck's Other Works
- Steinbeck also wrote 'The Grapes of Wrath', another novel inspired by his experiences working alongside migrant farm workers.
Theme
- The phrase "The best laid plans of mice and men / Often go awry" highlights the theme of the novella, which is the fragility of human plans and the powerlessness of individuals against the forces of fate.
Test your knowledge of John Steinbeck's classic novella, Of Mice and Men! Explore the themes, characters, and historical context of this impactful story set during the Great Depression. Challenge yourself with questions about George, Lennie, and their pursuit of the American Dream in 1930s California.
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