Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Set during the Great Depression, Of Mice and Men follows George Milton and Lennie Small, two displaced ranch workers chasing their dream of owning a piece of land. George, sharp and pragmatic, acts as a protector to Lennie, whose immense physical strength is matched only by his childlike innocence. Their bond is tested as they navigate the harsh realities of migrant labor, encountering loneliness, prejudice, and desperation on a California ranch. Steinbeck’s sparse yet powerful prose captures the fragility of hope in a world defined by instability. The novel’s enduring themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the elusive American Dream resonate with readers across generations.
The story unfolds over a few tension-filled days, painting vivid portraits of secondary characters like Candy, an aging handyman, and Curley’s Wife, a lonely figure trapped in a loveless marriage. Each character’s struggles highlight societal inequities and the universal craving for connection. Steinbeck’s use of symbolism—such as Lennie’s love of soft things or the recurring motif of rabbits—adds layers of meaning to this compact narrative. The climax delivers a heartbreaking choice that underscores the cost of compassion in an unforgiving world.