by john steinbeck. born in salinas, california, steinbeck is one of the most widely read and...

Of Mice and Men By John Steinbeck

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Page 1: By John Steinbeck. Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck is one of the most widely read and influential American authors of the 20 th century. He

Of Mice and MenBy John Steinbeck

Page 2: By John Steinbeck. Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck is one of the most widely read and influential American authors of the 20 th century. He

About the Author

Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck is one of the most widely read and influential American authors of the 20th century.

He attended Stanford University but never graduated.

He won the Nobel Prize in 1940 for literature.

He is known as a social writer because most of his works dealt with the struggles of Americans as victims of the Great Depression.

Page 3: By John Steinbeck. Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck is one of the most widely read and influential American authors of the 20 th century. He

About the novella

Of Mice and Men (1937) was originally written with the intention of being a play. It is a tightly constructed novella (short novel) about an unusual friendship between two migrant workers.

Although the book is powerfully written and often moving, some critics feel that it lacks a moral vision.

Page 4: By John Steinbeck. Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck is one of the most widely read and influential American authors of the 20 th century. He

Major Themes

Loneliness It is an inherent part of human nature to

desire companionship. However, the life of a migrant worker does not lend itself to this. George’s desire to stay with Lennie even though he often causes problems shows how deep this desire for a friend is.

Curley’s wife also demonstrates loneliness as she tries to even befriend the mentally retarded labor hand because she has no one else to turn to in her despair.

Page 5: By John Steinbeck. Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck is one of the most widely read and influential American authors of the 20 th century. He

More Themes

The role of society There is a clear hierarchy in the novel regarding

society. There are those in positions of power (obtained through money). Then, the laborers are divided because of their intelligence. George and Lennie are on the same level regarding their job statue. But, George is above Lennie in the hierarchy because of intelligence. This is very powerful at this time in history because there are still very dominant social classes. These lines become more blurred through the 20th century.

Page 6: By John Steinbeck. Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck is one of the most widely read and influential American authors of the 20 th century. He

More Themes

The Reality of the American Dream At the turn of the century, immigrants flooded

the country in hopes of owning land, having a good job, and providing more for their families than ever thought possible.

The Roaring Twenties lead many people to believe they really can have everything they want.

However, the Great Depression quickly reminds everyone that it isn’t easy to have everything.

George and Lennie dream of their own farm. However, this dream is obviously never fulfilled.

Page 7: By John Steinbeck. Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck is one of the most widely read and influential American authors of the 20 th century. He

Even More Themes

The Power of Women in the Demise of Men There are obvious Biblical references in this

theme as many believe the downfall of mankind came as a result of Eve’s persuasion.

Steinbeck flirts with this concept in the destruction of Lennie as Curley’s wife tempts him when he clearly isn’t the companion she seeks.

This is a major theme during this time period as women seek the right to vote and equality with men. Some try to cling to the thought that women ultimately destroy men.

Page 8: By John Steinbeck. Born in Salinas, California, Steinbeck is one of the most widely read and influential American authors of the 20 th century. He

Preparing for Friday’s Test

The test will be 40 multiple choice questions regarding major characters, major components of the plot (what happens in the story), and information included in this PowerPoint.

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