1. O F M ICE AND M EN J OHN S TEINBECK “The best laid schemes of mice and men Often go awry”- Robert Burns

2. S ETTING Of Mice and Men is set in the 1930’s, during the Great Depression Time of economic crisis in the United States Jobs were scarce and people did not have enough money The story is set in California, on a ranch in Soledad along the Salinas River. Characters are migrant workers Characters work as ranch hands.

3. M IGRANT WORKERS AND THE GREAT DEPRESSION Most of the characters are migrant workers, or out of work farmers hired to harvest crops. Migrant workers would move from town- to-town depending on where jobs were available. This is what Lennie and George are doing in the beginning of the novel.

4. M AJOR CHARACTERS Lennie : Very tall, large, and strong. Loves petting soft things and animals. George: “Small and quick”. Opposite of Lennie. He takes responsibility for Lennie. Candy: An old handyman who is missing a hand. He worries he is becoming useless. His ancient dog plays an important symbolic role. Curley: Boss’s son. He is small and makes up for his size by picking fights and being mean. Curley’s wife: The only female character in the novel. She flirts with the men out of a sense of loneliness.

5. M AJOR CHARACTERS Crooks: Black stable-hand who is isolated from the other men because of the color of his skin. He befriends Lennie. Slim: Highly respected ranch hand. He is known as the “prince” of the ranch. Quiet and insightful, the other characters look to him for advice. Carlson and Whit: Both ranch hands. Aunt Clara: Lennie’s aunt. She died before the novel takes place.

6. M AJOR T HEMES The American Dream Most people in the novel have some secret dream that has been unrealized. Everyone is affected by George and Lennie’s dream of owning their own farm and being self-sufficient. The Importance of Friendship Most of the characters are isolated and lonely George and Lennie’s friendship is unusual among the ranch hands. Most of the characters are searching for a friend, but must instead rely on strangers. Ranch name “Soledad” is Spanish for “loneliness”.

7. C ONTROVERSIAL T OPICS The issue of mental disability is a major part of this novel. During the time period when the novel was written, the Civil Rights movement had not yet happened. In this novel, derogatory words and attitudes are present. Certain words, phrases, and innuendos common to the ranch hands are used. Mercy killing is also seen throughout the novel. Please discuss these issues with your parents. If for any reason you or your parents do not approve of this novel, we will arrange for an alternate assignment.