Review: Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men is a poignant novella that explores the themes of friendship, dreams, and the harsh reality of the American Dream during the Great Depression. The story follows two displaced migrant ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, who move from place to place in California in search of new job opportunities. Their shared dream of owning a piece of land and living off “the fatta the lan’” is a central element that drives the narrative.

What is the story about?

George and Lennie are on the run after an incident in Weed, where Lennie’s innocent fascination with a girl’s dress led to accusations of assault. They find work on a ranch in Soledad, hoping to save enough money to buy their own piece of land. George is small, wiry, and sharp, while Lennie is large, strong, and mentally disabled. Their friendship is one of mutual dependence; George looks after Lennie, and Lennie provides companionship and labor.

On the ranch, they meet various characters, including Candy, an old swamper with a missing hand; Curley, the boss’s aggressive son; Curley’s flirtatious wife; and Crooks, the isolated black stable hand. As they work towards their dream, tensions rise, and Lennie’s inability to control his strength leads to tragic consequences.

Themes that drive the plot

Steinbeck delves deeply into the themes of friendship and loneliness. George and Lennie’s bond is a rare example of true companionship in a world where most characters are isolated. The novella also critiques the American Dream, highlighting its unattainable nature for many people during the Great Depression. The inevitability of Lennie’s tragic fate underscores the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals.

Characters painted so relaisitcally:

George Milton: A sharp, small man who looks after Lennie. He dreams of a better future but is weighed down by the responsibility of caring for Lennie.

Lennie Small: A physically strong but mentally disabled man with a childlike demeanor. His love for soft things and lack of control over his strength lead to trouble.

Candy: An aging ranch hand who fears being discarded due to his age and disability. He becomes hopeful about joining George and Lennie’s dream.

Curley: The boss’s aggressive and insecure son, who is constantly looking for a fight.

Curley’s Wife: A lonely woman who seeks attention from the ranch workers, leading to misunderstandings and conflict.

Crooks: The stable hand who experiences racial isolation and yearns for companionship.

A Masterful Writing Style:

Steinbeck’s writing is concise and evocative, capturing the bleakness of the era and the inner lives of his characters with great empathy. His dialogue is authentic and brings the characters to life, while the descriptions of the setting immerse the reader in the harsh realities of ranch life.

A must read

Of Mice and Men is a timeless masterpiece that explores the complexities of human relationships and the often unattainable nature of dreams. Steinbeck’s portrayal of friendship, loneliness, and the American Dream offers a compelling and thought-provoking reading experience. The novella’s depth and emotional impact make it a must-read for anyone interested in classic literature and the human condition.