1. John Steinbeck 1902-1968

2. Background Full Name: –John Ernst Steinbeck Place of Birth: – Salinas, California Heritage: – Father was County Treasurer and –Mother was a former school teacher Location and heritage played a part in Steinbeck’s life The Steinbeck House in Salinas…this is the place of his boyhood

3. Adult Life 1919: graduated from Salinas HS Attended Stanford, hoped to earn a degree in English –1925: he dropped out to seek a writing career in New York Unsuccessful in NY –moved back to California Struggled with odd jobs –Support his family while still pursuing his love of writing His first 5 novels went unnoticed

4. Steinbeck’s Luck Changes 1935: Tortilla Flat—won his first award 1939: Grapes of Wrath—earned Steinbeck the most prestigious prize for writing: The Pulitzer Awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962 “...for his realistic as well as imaginative writings, distinguished by a sympathetic humor and a keen social perception.” –He is good! Imaginative and insightful

5. Of Mice and Men Published in 1937 1938: OMM won the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award Story is about a pair of migrant farm workers Genre: Tragedy Setting: Salinas Valley, post Great Depression –what do we know about The Great Depression?

6. Migrant Workers 1930 Harvesting: –almost half of America’s grain was harvested by huge combines 5 men could do what would have taken 350 men to do a few years earlier…what was the impact of this? –You got it: unemployment… Two main characters are some of the last migrant workers

7. Migrants The farm hands traveled the country side harvesting wheat They earned $2.50-$3 a day for a 12 hour work day –what does this break down per hour? Food and housing were sometimes provided, sometimes charge for

8. Main Characters George –traveling farm worker, –friend and protector of Lennie –is small but intelligent and witty. Lennie –huge child-like man –travels with George –incapable of looking after himself –extremely strong –is fascinated by soft things.