LibGuides: YEAR 10: JOHN STEINBECK: Of Mice and Men

General Information

General Information
Of Mice and Men is a novella written by John Steinbeck. Published in 1937, it tells the story of George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced migrant ranch workers, who move from place to place in California in search of new job opportunities during the Great Depression in the United States.

Steinbeck based the novella on his own experiences working alongside migrant farm workers as a teenager in the 1910s.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck - review
'Of Mice and Men is a well-known classic, and with valid reason'

Of Mice and Men at a Glance
Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a parable about what it means to be human. Steinbeck's story of George and Lennie's ambition of owning their own ranch, and the obstacles that stand in the way of that ambition, reveal the nature of dreams, dignity, loneliness, and sacrifice.

Social And Historical Context In Of Mice And Men
Of Mice and Men: Background
The life of the author.
Life in America in 1937

Mental Disabilities in 1930s America (Context)
People with mental disabilities in 1930s America were treated very unsympathetically by the majority of society. Abnormal behaviour and low levels of economic productivity were thought of as a 'burden to society'.
Mental Disabilities in Of Mice and Men
George is highly protective of Lennie because George wants Lennie, a mentally disabled person, to have a chance in life.
Physical Disabilities in 1930s America (Context)
The Occupational Safety and Health Act was not introduced in the USA until 1970, so there was minimal health and safety regulations in 1930s California. Farmers used dangerous machinery and were often poorly trained, so accidents were common.
Physical Disabilities in Of Mice and Men
In Of Mice and Men, Candy is paid just $250 by the boss, or five months' wages, for the loss of his entire hand while working on the ranch