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Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a poignant novella exploring friendship, dreams, and the harsh realities of 1930s America. Centered on George and Lennie, itinerant workers with contrasting personalities, the story examines themes of loneliness, power, and the fragility of human aspirations. Its vivid characterization, symbolism, and narrative structure make it ideal for analyzing literary devices and societal context. Suitable for grades 9–12, it encourages critical thinking about morality, human relationships, and the American Dream, making it a compelling choice for both literature and reading curricula.
| Title | Of Mice and Men |
| Author | John Steinbeck |
| Year Published | 1937 |
| Suitable Grade Level | Grades 9–12 |
| Key Themes | – Friendship and loyalty: The bond between George and Lennie. – Dreams vs. reality: The pursuit of the American Dream. – Loneliness and isolation: Struggles of itinerant workers. – Power and helplessness: Societal hierarchies and individual limitations. – Social injustice: Discrimination, marginalization, and prejudice. – Fragility of human life: Vulnerability and tragedy. |
| Literary Elements | – Characterization: George, Lennie, Curley, Curley’s wife. – Setting: Great Depression, California ranch. – Plot structure: Exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution. – Symbolism: Lennie’s puppy, Candy’s dog, the dream farm. – Foreshadowing: Early hints of tragedy. – Conflict: Man vs. society, man vs. self, man vs. man. |
| Rhetorical Devices | – Dialogue-driven storytelling: Conversations reveal character and theme. – Imagery: Vivid descriptions of the ranch and natural world. – Irony: Tragic outcomes contrast hopeful dreams. – Repetition: Loneliness and dreams emphasized throughout. – Allegory: Reflects societal struggles during the Great Depression. |
| Curriculum Connections | – American literature studies: classic novella in the U.S. canon. – Historical context: Great Depression, migrant workers, economic struggles. – Themes of morality and ethics: Choices, responsibility, and human behavior. – Character and thematic analysis: Exploring development and motivations. – Literary device identification: Symbolism, foreshadowing, imagery, and irony. – Comparative literature: Examine friendship and dreams in other texts. |
Of Mice and Men
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck explores friendship, dreams, and hardship during the Great Depression, following George and Lennie’s poignant journey. A literary classic—available now on Amazon.
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