John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men is set during the Great Depression and follows the friendship of George Milton and Lennie Small, two migrant ranch workers with dreams of owning their own land, as they navigate the hardships of work and life on a California ranch, encountering various challenges and individuals along the way. The book contains depictions of violence, racist language, and animal cruelty.

John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is widely praised for its vivid portrayal of friendship and the human condition during the Great Depression. The character development and emotional depth are lauded, though some critics find the plot predictable and the language dated. Its themes remain compelling and relevant, making it a powerful, if sometimes challenging, read.

A reader who would enjoy Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is likely interested in American Depression-era literature, exploring themes of friendship and dreams amidst adversity. Similar readers may also appreciate The Grapes of Wrath by Steinbeck or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. These novels delve into social issues and human struggles with a poignant narrative.

Melancholic / Emotional / Gritty / Dark / Bittersweet

- Of Mice and Men was originally conceived by John Steinbeck as a play-novel, allowing it to be both read and easily adapted for the stage in its structure and dialogue.
- The title Of Mice and Men is derived from a line in the poem "To a Mouse" by Robert Burns, which reflects the theme of disrupted plans and dreams.
- In addition to its widespread success as a novel, Of Mice and Men was adapted into a Broadway play shortly after its publication in 1937, further solidifying its cultural impact.

John Steinbeck

Adult

Novella

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Of Mice and Men reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Of Mice and Men | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Of Mice and Men and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Of Mice and Men Summary and Study Guide

Background

Of Mice and Men Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-2

Of Mice and Men Chapters 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 3-4

Of Mice and Men Chapters 3-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-6

Of Mice and Men Chapters 5-6 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Of Mice and Men Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Of Mice and Men Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Of Mice and Men Symbols & Motifs

Literary Devices

Of Mice and Men Literary Devices

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Of Mice and Men Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Of Mice and Men Essay Topics

Quiz

Of Mice and Men Quiz

Of Mice and Men

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Of Mice and Men?

Reading Age

Book Details