1. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Introduction

2. John Steinbeck Born February 27, 1902 – Salinas, CA (Died 1968) ◦ Grandson of German and Irish immigrants ◦ Father and Grandfather – independent businessmen (flour mill) ◦ Mother was the daughter of a CA rancher  She was a schoolteacher Family was well-cultured ◦ Books were prized possessions

3. Early Years John always wanted to be a writer Made all “B”s in school ◦ Went to Stanford University  Dropped out after 5 years – didn’t graduate Moved to NY when he was 23 ◦ Unsuccessful – moved back to CA Married Carol Henning in 1930 ◦ Divorced in 1942

4. Success! Tortilla Flats – 1935 ◦ Wife Carol supported them both while he wrote Of Mice and Men – 1937 ◦ Financial and critical success ◦ Produced on Broadway  Drama Critics’ Circle Award The Grapes of Wrath – 1939 ◦ Pulitzer Prize Winner Nobel Prize for Literature - 1962

5. Historical Context The Great Depression (1929) ◦ Labor struggles in California (farming) ◦ Mechanical combines replaced workers Migrant workers partially unemployed – climate of farming ◦ Max earnings $400/year – average $300/year ◦ 1910 – foreign low wage workers “Bindle-stiffs” ◦ Single, white men – follow the harvest ◦ No unions ◦ WWII

6. Themes Idealism vs. Reality Alienation and Loneliness ◦ Race and Racism Class Conflict ◦ Unfeeling, modern, materialistic society Mental Disability ◦ Separation, rejection Friendship Loyalty

7. Style Point of View ◦ Objective ◦ 3 rd person - impersonal Setting ◦ California’s Salinas Valley – Agriculture ◦ The Great Depression Symbolism ◦ Safety = riverbank, rabbits, dreams Foreshadowing