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Of Mice and Men
by John Steinbeck
A beautiful novella about true friendship and the idealized American dream.
Of Mice and Men tells the story of two migrant ranch workers in search of the American dream. George and Lennie travel to Soledad, California, in the midst of the Great Depression to find work and start over. George, a small and quick-witted man, must care for Lennie, a very large man with a mild mental disability. Not quite aware of his massive size and strength, Lennie has a perpetual desire to stroke soft things, and accidentally kills them. Finding a dead mouse in Lennie’s pocket, George becomes angry and loudly proclaims how much easier life would be without him, but it is clear that he is devoted to his friend. Through their conversation, it becomes clear that they were forced to flee from their previous job after Lennie, who is truly a gentle giant, tried to stroke a girl’s dress and was falsely accused of rape. On their way to Soledad, George tells Lennie the story of the dream they share to one day own their own piece of land and farm it, away from the pressures of a boss and the judgment of Lennie. When they arrive at their destination, George lies to their new boss, saying he and Lennie are cousins, and attributes his disability to a childhood injury. Once they settle in, it seems briefly possible that these companions might be able to start over and achieve their dream. This dream, though, is soon lost in a tragic ending that leaves its readers devastated.
Published in 1937, John Steinbeck’s novella of friendship, hope, and the American dream shares in a list of great literature that has been banned occasionally due to controversial topics. Racism, sexuality, and mental disability are among the issues brought into focus, but the true theme of this story is friendship that knows no boundaries. Of Mice and Men is a sadly beautiful tale that will forever remain a classic literary landmark.
Title: Of Mice and Men
Author: John Steinbeck
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 0140177396
Review written by: Jennifer Kneisley
Reviewer's Rating:10
Reader's Rating: 0
Reader's Votes: 0
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