Of Mice and Men focuses on the friendship between two outcasts who are caught up in circumstances beyond their control. Despite George's unwavering efforts to keep Lennie safe in a predatory world, their relationship ends in tragedy. Think about how the story's historical and cultural context impacts the author's choices of character, setting, structure, point of view, and themes. What do you think the author is trying to say about how society treats its most vulnerable people and animals? How do you, as a modern reader, respond to the relationship between the novel's main characters?
John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is set during the Great Depression, a time of widespread poverty, unemployment, and social upheaval in the United States. The novel explores themes of loneliness, isolation, exclusion, and the harsh realities faced by the most vulnerable members of society. The characters of George and Lennie represent the marginalized individuals who struggle to survive in an oppressive and unforgiving world.
The author's choice of characters reflects the societal norms and prejudices of the time. George and Lennie are itinerant workers, constantly moving from place to place in search of work, facing discrimination and exploitation at every turn. Their relationship, based on loyalty, companionship, and mutual dependence, highlights the need for human connection and compassion in a world that values individualism and self-interest.
The agricultural setting of the novel, a ranch in California's Salinas Valley, serves as a microcosm of society, with its hierarchical structure, power dynamics, and inequalities. The mistreatment of Candy's old dog, the shooting of Candy's dog by Carlson, and the killing of Lennie at the novel's end all reflect the callousness and brutality of a society that devalues the weak and vulnerable.
Steinbeck's choice of structure, alternating between moments of hope and despair, builds tension and suspense, leading to the tragic climax of the novel. The third-person omniscient point of view allows readers to gain insight into the thoughts and feelings of the characters, underscoring their humanity and vulnerability.
As a modern reader, one may respond to the relationship between George and Lennie with empathy, recognizing the challenges they face and the strength of their bond. The novel prompts reflection on how society treats its most vulnerable members and raises questions about compassion, justice, and human dignity.
In conclusion, Of Mice and Men highlights the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals in a society that values power, wealth, and success. Through the characters of George and Lennie, Steinbeck conveys a powerful message about the importance of empathy, solidarity, and respect for the most vulnerable members of society. The novel's themes of friendship, loneliness, and sacrifice resonate with readers today, prompting reflection on the ways in which we treat others and the need for compassion and understanding in a world marked by inequality and injustice.