Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck, 1937.

Of Mice and Men

I.General presentation of the work

Of mice and men is an novel written by the american author John Steinbeck in 1937, adapted to the cinema by Lewis Milestone in 1939. And a second time in 1992, by Gary Sinise.

It was written during The Great Depression until World War II. It deals with the history of migrants farmers in California. John Steinbeck immortalized the increase in farming activity across the Great Plains states.

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that took place during the 1930s.

Two childhood friends who are migrant worker have the same dream which is to have a smallholder farm, be annuitant and free. One of them loves soft things but one day, not intentionally he kills his boss's wife while he was petting her hair.

II.The odd couple

        Lennie Small

        Lennie Small has a gigantic physical appearence and is a mentally disable man. He always depends on his friend George for guidance and protection. He is gentle and kind but doesn't understand his own strength so it cause a contrast between his physical and psychological appearence. He is the opposite of George. Lennie has little memory, but he knows the story of their dreams by heart. Lennie is considered a flat character, he undergoes no change throughout the story.

        George Milton

        George is a small, wiry, quick-witted man. He is Lennie's guardian and best friend, he acts as a parent to him. He has to act responsible, level-headed and ready to deal with any problem that Lennie could cause. He hopes that the two of them will live a fullfilling life in their future farm.

II.Their relationship

        George and Lennie are best friends, they have a special bond. George would be a loner without Lennie. Even if he gets frustated by Lennie sometimes, he stills feel sympathy for him. Geroge struggle a lot taking care of George because he forgets a lot of things he tells him not to do. He understands how Lennie doesn't think like an adult, so he needs to help him.  He gets him out of bad situations, like when Curley, the son of the ranch owner, tries to fight him. Lennie tries to protect George in his own way, he gets aggressive when someone is talking badly about his best friend. The dream they share draw them closer, Lennie's innocence keeps their dream alive, but his imperfection makes it impossible to realize.

IV.The odd couple

        George and Lennie are a good example of an odd couple, they are the complete opposite but they still are together. Throughout the story, people asks George why he's with a guy like Lennie, and he replies that he has to take care of him otherwise no one will. They are a terrific example of an odd couple, because they are polar opposite both mentally and physically. Lennie is always dreaming, while George is very down to earth. They are very different, but they are inseparable.

V.John Steinbeck's message

        John Steinbeck's theme in this novel is dreams and disillusionment. Most of the characters of the novel admit that they wish to have another life, George and Lennie wishing to have a farm, Curley's wife who wish she didn't marry him so she could become an actress, Candy who just want to be helpful. They all dream of things they can't have. The author convey his own disillusion troughout the story. Another big theme is loneliness, every character experience it at some point. The message he's trying to send is how important is it to love and be loves.

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