Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Steinbeck the Man Born in 1902 in Salinas, California. Attended Stanford, but did not graduate from there. Cup of Gold, his first novel, was published in 1929. 1936 Of Mice and Men was published. The setting of the story is Soledad, California.
1939 published The Grapes of Wrath, which won a Pulitzer Prize. Died on December 20, 1968, as one of the most honored writers of his time.
Personal Beliefs in his writings All of his novels deal with a personal experience or issue he felt very strongly about. His characters are the outcasts of society; poor, demented, uneducated and rebellious.
Effects of The Depression Widespread hunger, poverty and unemployment Worldwide economic crisis Democratic Victory in 1932 election FDR’s New Deal
Of Mice and Men “The economic upheavals of the 1930’s produced a rootlessness in Americans who found themselves without possessions or hope. Of Mice and Men, is, in part, an examination of this peculiarly American kind of Alienation.”
The American Dream: Everyone has a dream to strive for The American Dream: Everyone has a dream to strive for. Poor ranch hands wish to be their own bosses and actually have stability. George and Lennie Candy Crooks Themes
Candy Crooks Curley’s wife Loneliness: An important connection between most of the characters is being lonely. Candy Crooks Curley’s wife
Innocence: Lennie Discrimination: Lennie, Curley’s Wife, Crooks, Candy Friendship: Every man needs someone to make him feel special George and Lennie Candy
Symbolism is the most important literary element in the story Literary Elements Symbolism is the most important literary element in the story Some reoccurring symbols are hands, animals, and character names
The Characters George Milton Small, but sharp-witted ranch hand Uses his mind to anticipate the future Takes care of Lennie
Large man with a slow mind. Short attention span Because of his mental limitations he can never understand or anticipate the outcomes of his actions. He and George have a dream of a better life Lennie
Wanted to join George and Lennie’s dream Candy Old ranch hand Lost a hand in an accident Anticipates the bleakness of the futures of all the other ranch hands Only companion is an old dog Wanted to join George and Lennie’s dream Candy
bitter against racial discrimination Crooks Got his name because of his crooked, hunchback body Proud and independent black man An outcast at the ranch Accepted by Lennie and Candy bitter against racial discrimination
Small, evil son of the boss Wears a glove on one hand Vicious bully who picks on people smaller than him and tries to intimidate men bigger than him Curley
Slim Wise Well-respected ranch hand whose “word is law” Described as a “Master craftsman” because he is good at his job
Curley's Wife Bitter wife of Curley Attempts to seduce the ranch hands Has a mean streak and is a vehicle for spreading evil Is called a “tart” by the ranch hands
Carlson Ranch hand Exact opposite of Slim Coarse and insensitive Unable to understand the feelings of others Wants to shoot Candy’s dog