John Steinbeck's timeless novel, Of Mice and Men, is a piece of literature that many teens encounter in high school. It explores the story of two migrant workers during the Great Depression. What are the central themes of the novel?
Of Mice and Men is about the American Dream
Lennie and George are lower-class field workers. They seek to become their own bosses, yet are prevented from doing so.
George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm
George and Lennie see beyond their present circumstances. They dream of having their own farm, complete with puppies and other animals.
George and Lennie are extremely loyal to each other. In addition, George, Lennie, and their fellow workers build a sense of comradery over the course of the book.
George and Lennie's friendship
George and Lennie travel together and have a unique dynamic. They are reliable friends to each other.
One of the protagonists of the story, Lennie, views the world in a childlike way, due to a mental disability. His inability to understand his strength often leads to him accidentally hurting others.
Lennie's interactions with animals
Lennie has a fixation on small, soft animals and is known for accidentally killing them.
George remarks that he used to play mean-spirited pranks on Lennie. Also, Crooks (an African-American man on the ranch with them) is often the target of racism and isolation.
Crooks' life on the farm
Crooks is the only African-American man living on the ranch. He is often subject to racist attitudes and actions of other men living on the ranch.
