Of Mice and Men is a novella written by John Steinbeck, published in 1937. The story is set during the Great Depression and follows two ranch hands, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they travel from job to job in search of the American Dream. Despite their bond, the two characters are very different, with George being small and intelligent, and Lennie being large and mentally disabled.
One of the main themes in Of Mice and Men is the idea of the American Dream and the characters' pursuit of it. George and Lennie dream of one day owning their own ranch and "living off the fatta the lan'," as Lennie puts it. However, the harsh realities of the world often stand in the way of their dream, and they are constantly faced with obstacles and setbacks.
Another theme in the novella is the idea of loneliness and isolation. The characters in the story are often isolated from others, either by choice or circumstance. Candy, the old swamper, is lonely after the death of his dog, and Curley's wife is lonely due to her husband's lack of attention. Even George and Lennie, who are close friends, are ultimately isolated from others due to Lennie's mental disability.
The characters in Of Mice and Men also struggle with the concept of power and control. Candy, for example, is desperate to have control over his own life and to be a part of the ranch ownership with George and Lennie. Curley's wife, on the other hand, is powerless in her marriage and tries to exert control over others through flirting and manipulation.
One of the most poignant moments in the novella is the death of Candy's dog. Candy's dog is old and sick, and Candy knows that it is only a matter of time before the dog has to be put down. Candy's dog serves as a symbol of the characters' own mortality and the fleeting nature of their dreams.
In conclusion, Of Mice and Men is a powerful and poignant story that explores themes of loneliness, the pursuit of the American Dream, power and control, and the fleeting nature of life. The characters in the novella are complex and well-developed, and the story ultimately leaves a lasting impact on the reader.
