Of Mice and Men: A Comprehensive Analysis
John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men is one of the most poignant and powerful works in American literature. First published in 1937, this novella is set during the Great Depression and centers around two itinerant workers—George Milton and Lennie Small—who dream of a better life. Through its straightforward prose and deeply symbolic characters, the novella explores themes of friendship, loneliness, powerlessness, broken dreams, and the human desire for connection. Despite its brief length, the story delivers an emotional impact that lingers long after the final page. Historical Context To understand Of Mice and Men , it is crucial to appreciate its historical context. The novel is set during the Great Depression, a period of severe economic hardship that affected millions of Americans. Unemployment was rampant, and many people traveled across the country in search of work, especially in California, which was seen as a land of opportunity. Steinbeck himself worked as a laborer during th...