The novella takes place during the Great Depression and is set near where Steinbeck was born in California. Drawing upon Steinbeck’s own experiences as a bindlestiff, Of Mice and Men depicts two male migrant ranch workers who share a profound friendship.
The novel centers around George Milton, a socially savvy and intelligent man, and Lennie Small, his mentally handicapped but extremely large, strong companion. George and Lennie dream of a better life for themselves, once they earn enough money as migrant laborers to buy a homestead for themselves. However, they are thwarted by social inequities, lack of understanding, and perhaps even fate.
Of Mice and Men was initially intended to be a...
