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?

Question

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?

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Answer 1

The historical and cultural context of Of Mice and Men, set during the Great Depression in the 1930s, greatly influences the author's choices of character, setting, structure, point of view, and themes. The characters of George and Lennie, as marginalized individuals seeking work as migrant farm workers, reflect the struggles faced by many during this time period. The harsh and unforgiving setting of the ranch mirrors the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression, where survival was difficult and resources were scarce. The novella's linear structure and third-person omniscient point of view allow the reader to closely follow the tragic events that unfold, highlighting the themes of friendship, loneliness, and the harshness of the world.

Through the relationship between George and Lennie, the author raises questions about how society treats its most vulnerable people and animals. George's constant efforts to protect Lennie, who has a mental disability, show the difficulties and limitations faced by those who are marginalized and vulnerable in society. The tragic ending, where George is forced to make the heartbreaking decision to end Lennie's life to spare him from a worse fate at the hands of others, speaks to the harsh realities faced by those who are marginalized and vulnerable.

As a modern reader, I find the relationship between George and Lennie both heartwarming and heartbreaking. The deep bond between the two characters, and George's unwavering loyalty and love for Lennie, is touching and powerful. However, the tragic ending serves as a stark reminder of the harshness and cruelty of the world, where even the strongest bonds can be broken by circumstances beyond one's control. Overall, Of Mice and Men is a poignant and powerful exploration of friendship, loneliness, and the struggles of the most vulnerable in society.