The novel “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck is an important parable about human nature. It is set during the Great Depression in the 1930s and explores themes of loneliness and isolation. The story follows two men, George and Lennie, as they travel to find work and survival. They become responsible for one another and try to achieve the American Dream.
The story takes place during the Great Depression, which lasted from October 1929 until World War II began. It was a time of unemployment and lack of steady jobs, leading to an increase in the number of itinerant workers – mostly men – who moved from town to town seeking temporary work.
While the novel has a vast number of characters, it was one of the first novels published from an obscure point of view. This style of writing allows the reader to deduce the thoughts of the characters from their actions. This style of storytelling makes Of Mice and Men an ideal candidate for adaptation as a play or movie. The book was adapted into a Broadway musical in 1974 and later for broadcast on BBC Radio 4.
Of Mice and Men starts in the Salinas Valley, during the Great Depression. The story opens with a description of the serene scenery surrounding the Salinas River. The two men stop by the river for rest. George is not in a rush to start a new job that morning; Lennie wants to sleep because his day is already a blur. They also joke about the four-mile walk to work.
