1. By John Steinbeck

2.  Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck is one of the most widely read and influential American authors of the 20 th century.  He attended Stanford University but never graduated.  He won the Nobel Prize in 1940 for literature.  He is known as a social writer because most of his works dealt with the struggles of Americans as victims of the Great Depression.

3.  Of Mice and Men (1937) was originally written with the intention of being a play. It is a tightly constructed novella (short novel) about an unusual friendship between two migrant workers.  Although the book is powerfully written and often moving, some critics feel that it lacks a moral vision.

4.  Loneliness  It is an inherent part of human nature to desire companionship. However, the life of a migrant worker does not lend itself to this. George’s desire to stay with Lennie even though he often causes problems shows how deep this desire for a friend is.  Curley’s wife also demonstrates loneliness as she tries to even befriend the mentally retarded labor hand because she has no one else to turn to in her despair.

5.  The role of society  There is a clear hierarchy in the novel regarding society. There are those in positions of power (obtained through money). Then, the laborers are divided because of their intelligence. George and Lennie are on the same level regarding their job statue. But, George is above Lennie in the hierarchy because of intelligence. This is very powerful at this time in history because there are still very dominant social classes. These lines become more blurred through the 20 th century.

6.  The Reality of the American Dream  At the turn of the century, immigrants flooded the country in hopes of owning land, having a good job, and providing more for their families than ever thought possible.  The Roaring Twenties lead many people to believe they really can have everything they want.  However, the Great Depression quickly reminds everyone that it isn’t easy to have everything.  George and Lennie dream of their own farm. However, this dream is obviously never fulfilled.

7.  The Power of Women in the Demise of Men  There are obvious Biblical references in this theme as many believe the downfall of mankind came as a result of Eve’s persuasion.  Steinbeck flirts with this concept in the destruction of Lennie as Curley’s wife tempts him when he clearly isn’t the companion she seeks.  This is a major theme during this time period as women seek the right to vote and equality with men. Some try to cling to the thought that women ultimately destroy men.

8.  The test will be 40 multiple choice questions regarding major characters, major components of the plot (what happens in the story), and information included in this PowerPoint.