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Of Mice and Men (1937)

Author: John Steinbeck
Type: Novella · Social realism
FPS Group: Group 1 — FPS Required
Era/Period: USH Unit 3 — Great Depression
ELA Standards: 9-10.R.8 · 9-10.R.9
USH Standards: US.6_12.3 · US.6_12.4
Copyright: Copyrighted — excerpt only

What This Text Is About

Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck in 1937, is a novella that captures the lives of migrant workers during one of America's toughest times: the Great Depression. The story follows George Milton and Lennie Small, two men who dream of owning their own land and living off it. While traveling to find work on ranches, they face numerous challenges and hardships that highlight the struggles and dreams of many Americans during this period.

Steinbeck wrote Of Mice and Men after working alongside migrant workers himself, giving him an intimate understanding of the harsh realities these individuals faced. His goal was to create a story that could evoke empathy and awareness about the systemic issues affecting poor laborers during the Great Depression. The novella is known for its powerful storytelling and poignant exploration of themes like loyalty, friendship, and the American Dream.

Read It

Copyrighted — excerpt only.

"Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place... With us it ain't like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that ain't a cop. We can go into the same saloon if we want to. And there's even two rooms to the bunk-house."

Full text available in most school libraries.

Why This Text Matters

Of Mice and Men holds significant literary value due to its vivid portrayal of life during the Great Depression, as well as its exploration of complex human relationships and moral dilemmas. It provides a window into the harsh realities faced by migrant workers who were often marginalized and struggling for survival. Steinbeck's narrative not only captures their struggles but also highlights the broader social issues that contributed to these hardships.

The novella is crucial reading because it prompts reflection on themes such as friendship, loyalty, and systemic injustice. Students can gain a deeper understanding of historical contexts while considering how similar issues persist today. Moreover, by examining George and Lennie's journey, readers can explore questions about the nature of dreams, powerlessness in society, and what it means to do the right thing under impossible circumstances.

ELA Standards Connection

Standard Connection
9-10.R.8 Analyzing Steinbeck’s use of literary devices such as symbolism (the rabbits representing Lennie's dream) and foreshadowing in Of Mice and Men.
9-10.R.9 Understanding the central theme of friendship and loyalty amidst societal challenges, and how this impacts George and Lennie’s decisions throughout the novella.
9-10.W.4 Writing an argumentative essay on whether George's decision to shoot Lennie is an act of mercy or murder, supported by textual evidence from Of Mice and Men.

Social Studies Connection

Of Mice and Men provides a historical context for understanding the Great Depression (1929-1939), highlighting how economic hardship affected American society. The novella reflects real-life conditions faced by migrant workers, such as lack of job security and social support systems. By studying this text alongside other primary sources from the era, students can gain a more nuanced perspective on the period's complexities.

Key Vocabulary

  1. Ranch: A large area of land used for raising livestock.
  2. Migrant worker: Someone who moves to different places in search of temporary or seasonal work.
  3. Dream: An aspiration or goal that one hopes to achieve, often symbolizing hope and a better future.
  4. Powerlessness: The state of lacking control over one’s life circumstances.
  5. Foreshadowing: A literary device used by authors to hint at events that will occur later in the story.

Studio Ideas

  1. Write an argument essay discussing whether George's actions are justified, using evidence from Of Mice and Men.
  2. Explore historical context: write about how economic conditions during the Great Depression influenced the lives of migrant workers like George and Lennie.
  3. Connect to contemporary issues: discuss modern-day parallels where people face similar struggles for survival and dreams.

Pairs With

Why This Is Relevant Today?

Of Mice and Men remains relevant today as it speaks to contemporary issues like economic inequality, the rights of marginalized groups, and societal support for those facing challenging life circumstances. The story’s themes resonate with modern discussions on social justice, mental health awareness, and the quest for meaningful connections in a rapidly changing world.

ELA Reading Library · SDA Commons · South High School