Of Mice and Men By John Steinbeck Background

Of Mice and Men By John Steinbeck

Background Of Mice and Men was published in 1937. It tells the story of two migrant workers, George and Lennie. The story generated many criticisms because of its use of vulgarities and how it condemned the ranch owners and their treatment of migrant and minority workers.

Characters George Milton Lennie Small (oxymoron) Candy Slim Curley and The Boss Curley’s wife Crooks (pun) Candy’s dog Carlson, Whit, and Aunt Clara

Character types Dynamic Static Digressing Protagonist Antagonist

Themes Human companionship The joys and pains of friendship Weakness and mental disabilities Fate and its consequences attached to irony

Development Of Mice and Men was Steinbeck’s attempt at writing a “play-novelette. ” It is structured in three acts of two chapters each. It is truly considered a novella, but because of its unique story development, it can be considered a play as well.

Literary elements Plot Irony Setting Theme Characters Tone/Mood

Summary What does friendship mean to you? Explain 50 -100 words

Chapter 1 notes: George and Lennie are introduced and they come into the scene in a forest/nature and Lennie is carrying a mouse that George discards. Both are running away from their old job to a new job. Lennie grabs a girls dress and messes up/makes a mistake.

Heading to the new ranch and they find out they are miles away- George decides for them to stay the night and go into work the next day. After Lennie goes to get the mouse/firewood, George loses his temper. George foreshadows trouble in the future.