Of Mice and Men
John Steinback
Drama
The novel Of Mice and Men is set during the Great Depression in the 1930’s. The two main characters George and Lennie are venturing through the forests of Gabilan. George, the smarter of two finds a job for them on a ranch. As they approach the ranch, they have mixed feelings about the experience. Lennie is solemnly concentrated on getting his own ranch with George. George wants to stay awhile at this job and earn some bucks while he’s at it. At the ranch they meet some interesting people, all of which create different impressions in their minds. Curley, the boss’s son stands out as one of the main characters because of his negativity towards Lennie. As the story progresses, the tension builds between Lennie and Curley but the worst is yet to come as the ending nears.
George and Lennie are the two primary characters in the book with a subsequent amount of minor ones. George is one of the wisest characters and he makes decisions for Lennie regarding the path they take. George is a realistic character because he tries to mediate the controversy occurring between Curley and Lennie. “George said, “His name’s Lennie Small.”” (21) This quote describes how George takes charge of Lennie in order for them to get a job. He answers a question directed towards Lennie because he is mentally challenged and needs George’s help to live.
Lennie is the other primary character in the novel. Lennie seems like a real character because he acts in a dull manner. The story needs a character like Lennie because main roadblocks can be caused by him. “Lennie dipped his whole head under, hat and all.” (3) This quote shows how Lennie is challenged and can’t think through situations. He dips his head under the water in the river without knowing what’s in it. Lennie’s inability to focus also causes internal conflicts for George in how to handle Lennie.
Curley is one of the main characters George and Lennie meet on the ranch. His abominable attitude and audacious actions lead to altercations and dislike from others. Curley talks rudely to others specifically people who are tall. ““What the hell are you getting’ into it for?”” (25) This quote spoken by Curley shows how he talks to George concerning Lennie. Curley decides his enemies by the first impressions from others. Curley’s flirtatious wife adds more depth to his behavior. The wide range of personalities in the characters allows the author to set up important themes through the context of the novel.
In this novel there are many important themes that are evident. One of the major themes in Of Mice and Men is the importance of friendship. George and Lennie have built a strong and unlikely friendship by overcoming many hardships. Steinback illustrates to the readers how perseverance and friendship can lead to the completion of George and Lennie’s goals in getting a ranch. They have both stayed with each other for many years and can now see the end for their misery. Crooks, the black-stable hand suggests their plan is incomplete able. ““I never seen a guy really do it. If you guys want, I’d come an’ lend a hand.”” (76) This quote said by Crooks is significant in shifting the mood of the book. Up to this point there is much disbelief in their plan because of Crooks. He has been at the ranch for a long time and has seen many people come through with the same mindset. Crooks’ view changes the reader’s opinion because of his experience at the ranch. As Crooks understands that George and Lennie have almost all the pieces to the puzzle he sees some hope. This moment makes the novel “A Gripping Tale” as quoted by The New York Times. Friendship is one of the main themes in the novel because of its occurrence in the novel.
The novel’s connection to our world today makes it truly remarkable. The storyline is fantastic but the way it is framed is lackluster. The novel is compressed into 107 miniature pages. The exposition and rising action are thoroughly explained; but the climax abruptly comes and goes. Steinback doesn’t build any anticipation towards the end of the book. There is a feeling that something might happen between Lennie and Curley with all the tension building. The novel has many lessons but with the unsatisfactory attempt to show them there are opaque. Of Mice and Men can be enjoyed by someone looking for a short novel to read with a simple plot. The novel has many great ideas expressed within but the missing components take away its greatness.
I would give Of Mice and Men a rating of 2 out of 5 stars.
