"Of Mice and Men" is a novella by John Steinbeck, first published in 1937. The story follows the lives of two itinerant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, who have a dream of one day owning their own piece of land. However, their plans are derailed when Lennie, a mentally disabled man with a childlike innocence, accidentally kills a woman while they are working on a ranch in California.
The novel is set during the Great Depression and explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the American Dream. The title itself, taken from a line in the poem "To a Mouse" by Robert Burns, speaks to the idea that even the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.
One of the main themes of "Of Mice and Men" is the idea of the American Dream and the inherent difficulties in achieving it. George and Lennie's dream of owning their own land represents the idea of the American Dream, which was a central tenet of American culture at the time the novel was written. However, the harsh realities of the Depression and the difficulties faced by migrant workers make this dream seem unattainable.
Another important theme in the novel is loneliness and isolation. The characters in "Of Mice and Men" are all lonely in some way, whether it be because they are isolated on the ranch or because they have no family or friends. This loneliness is especially evident in Candy, an old swamper who has lost his hand and is afraid of being alone, and Curley's wife, who is isolated on the ranch and longs for human connection.
One of the most memorable characters in "Of Mice and Men" is Lennie Small, a mentally disabled man with a childlike innocence. Lennie is not capable of understanding the consequences of his actions and often gets into trouble because of it. Despite this, he is a kind and gentle soul who simply wants to be with his friend George and tend to the rabbits they will one day have on their own piece of land.
Overall, "Of Mice and Men" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that explores themes of loneliness, isolation, and the American Dream. It is a classic work of literature that continues to be widely read and studied today.