This study guide for Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck provides a comprehensive overview of the novel, including its background, plot summary, key events, and in-depth character analyses. It explores major themes such as friendship, loneliness, the American Dream, discrimination, and power dynamics...
● Author: John Steinbeck
● Published: 1937
● Setting: California during the Great Depression
● Genre: Fiction, Tragedy
● Themes: Friendship, loneliness, the American Dream, power, and discrimination.
2. Plot Summary
The novel follows two displaced ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they
navigate life during the Great Depression. George is small and sharp-witted, while Lennie is
large and mentally disabled. They dream of owning a farm where Lennie can care for rabbits.
However, their dream is thwarted by tragic circumstances.
Key Events:
1. Introduction: George and Lennie arrive at a new ranch after fleeing their previous job
due to Lennie's trouble.
2. Life on the Ranch: They meet characters like Curley (the boss’s aggressive son),
Curley’s wife, Slim (a kind and respected worker), and Candy (an old handyman with a
disabled dog).
3. The Dream Farm: Candy joins George and Lennie’s dream of buying land.
4. Conflict with Curley: Lennie crushes Curley’s hand during a fight.
5. Tragic Incident: Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife while trying to stroke her hair.
6. Climactic Ending: George, knowing Lennie will be killed by an angry mob, chooses to
shoot Lennie himself out of mercy.
3. Characters
1. George Milton: A protective friend to Lennie, intelligent, and pragmatic.
2. Lennie Small: Gentle but physically strong, has a mental disability, and loves soft
things.
3. Candy: An old ranch worker who fears being useless; his dog’s fate parallels Lennie’s.
4. Curley: Aggressive and insecure, always picking fights.
5. Curley’s Wife: Lonely and unnamed, seeks attention but is misunderstood.
6. Slim: Respected and empathetic, acts as a moral compass on the ranch.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller princemuamba007. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $20.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
