John Steinbeck’s novella, “Of Mice and Men,” is a powerful exploration of friendship, dreams, and the struggles faced by itinerant workers during the Great Depression.
| Title | Of Mice and Men |
| Author | John Steinbeck |
| Publisher | Penguin Books; Reissue edition (September 1, 1993) |
| Language | English |
| File Format | |
| Number of pages | 107 pages |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 38,677 Reviews |
see also – Where the Wild Things Are book summary by Maurice Sendak (download pdf)
Of Mice and Men novel summary by John Steinbeck
“Of Mice and Men” centers on George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced ranch workers.
George is pragmatic and protective of Lennie, who has a childlike mind.
They share a dream of owning a piece of land together, a haven from the difficulties of their lives.
They find work on a ranch, where their aspirations are met with skepticism.
Lennie’s unintentional actions lead to tragedy, illustrating the fragility of dreams and the harsh realities of society.
see also – Ugly Love book summary by Colleen Hoover (download pdf)
Of Mice and Men novel summary by John Steinbeck: download pdf
Conclusion
Steinbeck’s poignant narrative shines a light on the challenges faced by marginalized individuals during a tumultuous era.
The friendship between George and Lennie, the desire for a better life, and the unrelenting obstacles they encounter continue to resonate with readers today.
FAQs
The title is derived from a line in Robert Burns’s poem: “The best-laid plans of mice and men / Often go awry.”
The novel is set during the Great Depression in California. The ranch environment reflects the struggles and uncertainties faced by migrant workers during that time, adding depth to the characters’ experiences.
George serves as Lennie’s protector and caregiver due to Lennie’s limited mental capacity.
