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Of Mice and Men summary
John Steinbeck
The Dangers of the American Dream During the Great Depression
15 mins
Brief summary
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a powerful novella set during the Great Depression. It tells the story of two migrant workers, George and Lennie, and their dreams of owning a farm. The book explores themes of loneliness, friendship, and the harsh realities of life.
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Of Mice and Men
Summary of 4 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 4
George and Lennie
When we meet Lennie Small and George Milton, they’re stumbling, exhausted, into a beautiful, tranquil clearing in the California countryside – causing the rabbits and herons to make themselves scarce. There, near the Gabilan mountains and the Salinas river, among the willow and sycamore trees, they find a green pool.
And the first thing Lennie does is plunge his head straight into the pool and take huge, thirsty gulps of unclean water. Belying his last name, Lennie is an enormous man, a little like a bear.
George – the opposite, small and wiry – cautions his companion that he’ll make himself sick again.
It also turns out that Lennie’s been carrying a dead mouse so he can stroke it – not for the first time. He swears he didn’t kill it – he just found it dead – but George scolds him and hurls it into the undergrowth.
Straight away, it’s clear that Lennie has a serious mental disability. As well as routinely putting his health at risk, he struggles to remember almost anything – even the fact that they’re traveling to a ranch to get work. Lennie is hopelessly reliant on George, whose harsh tone toward him is borne of a deep affection.
They’re exhausted because they’ve had to walk miles – a bus was meant to take them all the way to the ranch, but it dropped them off in the wrong place. George decides they’ll sleep in the clearing and go to the ranch in the morning.
They bicker some more – Lennie wants ketchup with his beans, but they don’t have any. To make peace, George tells Lennie his favorite story: the one about the farm the two of them will live on one day, once they’ve saved up the money. They’ll grow their own food and keep animals – and Lennie will feed the rabbits. He loves hearing about the rabbits.
If they run into trouble again, George says, Lennie should come back to this place and hide. George will find him here.
ANALYSIS
Of Mice and Men is quick to establish friendship as a theme – George and Lennie are obviously deeply committed to each other despite their poverty and Lennie’s disability. But the theme is more than friendship – it’s dependency. It’s clear that Lennie would be lost without his quick-witted companion. George, too, seems dependent on Lennie for his company and affection – not to mention the fact that Lennie’s strength makes him an excellent worker.
Other aspects of dependency already have a darker hue. Think of those imaginary rabbits, and their dependency on lumbering, forgetful Lennie; think of that little mouse, which Lennie may well have killed after all. And Lennie makes himself dependent on that pool of mossy water too – another disturbing reminder of the fragility of life.
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What is Of Mice and Men about?
Of Mice and Men (1937) is a poignant tale that traces an unlikely friendship between two impoverished workers in California during the Great Depression: compact, quick-witted George Milton, and huge, childlike Lennie Small.
Of Mice and Men Review
Of Mice and Men (1937) by John Steinbeck is a timeless classic that explores friendship, hope, and the pursuit of the American Dream during the Great Depression. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It delves into the complexity of human relationships and the challenges individuals face in their search for companionship and belonging.
- Steinbeck's hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the human condition evokes empathy and poses thought-provoking questions about humanity's inherent struggles.
- The story's poignant ending leaves a lasting impact, prompting reflection on the harsh realities of life and the fragile nature of our dreams.
Who should read Of Mice and Men?
- Lovers of classic literature
- Those entranced by the American dream
- People curious about one of Steinbeck’s greats
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Of Mice and Men FAQs
What is the main message of Of Mice and Men?
The main message of Of Mice and Men is the fragility of dreams and the harsh reality of life.
How long does it take to read Of Mice and Men?
The reading time for Of Mice and Men varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Of Mice and Men a good book? Is it worth reading?
Of Mice and Men is worth reading for its insights into human nature, friendship, and the pursuit of dreams.
Who is the author of Of Mice and Men?
The author of Of Mice and Men is John Steinbeck.
What to read after Of Mice and Men?
If you're wondering what to read next after Of Mice and Men, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain
- East of Eden by John Steinbeck
- I Know why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller
- American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
- Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
- The Trial by Franz Kafka
- Escape from Freedom by Erich Fromm
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus