Member-only story

Study Guide for John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men

Robin Powell

·6.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Study Guide For John Steinbeck S Of Mice And Men (Course Hero Study Guides)

5 min read

1.3k View Claps

81 Respond

Save

Listen

Course Hero Study Guides

This study guide will help you understand the characters, plot, and themes of John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. It includes summaries of each chapter, analysis of the characters, and discussion questions.

Summary

Of Mice and Men is a novella by John Steinbeck that was published in 1937. The story is set in California during the Great Depression and follows the journey of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small. George is a small, intelligent man who dreams of owning his own land someday. Lennie is a large, mentally disabled man who is devoted to George.

Study Guide for John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Megan Rix

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	867 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	225 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

The two men travel from ranch to ranch, looking for work. They are often met with prejudice and discrimination because of Lennie's disability. However, they eventually find a job on a ranch owned by a kind-hearted woman named Curley's wife.

Curley's wife is immediately attracted to Lennie, and she begins to flirt with him. Lennie is flattered by her attention, but he is also afraid of her. One day, Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife, and the two men are forced to flee the ranch.

George and Lennie eventually make it to the Salinas River, where they dream of owning their own land. However, they are tracked down by Curley and his men. George knows that Lennie will be killed if they are caught, so he shoots him in the head.

Characters

George Milton

George is a small, intelligent man who dreams of owning his own land someday. He is the brains of the duo and often has to protect Lennie from danger. George is a loyal friend and he cares deeply for Lennie.

Lennie Small

Lennie is a large, mentally disabled man who is devoted to George. He is strong and hardworking, but he is also childlike and innocent. Lennie loves animals and dreams of owning a farm of his own.

Curley's wife

Curley's wife is a beautiful and flirtatious woman who is married to the ranch owner, Curley. She is bored with her life on the ranch and she seeks attention from the other men. Curley's wife is a complex character who is both attractive and dangerous.

Curley

Curley is the ranch owner and he is jealous of Lennie's strength and George's intelligence. He is a bully and he often takes his anger out on Lennie. Curley is a cruel and heartless man.

Slim

Slim is the jerkline skinner on the ranch and he is a respected figure among the other workers. He is a kind and wise man who often gives George and Lennie advice. Slim is a mentor to George and he helps him to understand himself and his relationship with Lennie.

Themes

The American Dream

The American Dream is a central theme in Of Mice and Men. George and Lennie dream of owning their own land and living a life of freedom and independence. However, their dream is ultimately unattainable because of the harsh realities of the Great Depression.

Friendship

Friendship is another important theme in Of Mice and Men. George and Lennie are devoted to each other, and they are willing to do anything to protect each other. Their friendship is a source of strength and hope in a world that is often cruel and unforgiving.

Loneliness

Loneliness is a major theme in Of Mice and Men. George and Lennie are both lonely people who are searching for connection and belonging. They find some comfort in each other, but they are ultimately unable to escape the loneliness of their lives.

Discussion Questions

1. What are the main conflicts in Of Mice and Men? 2. How do the characters of George and Lennie change over the course of the novel? 3. What are the different ways in which the American Dream is portrayed in Of Mice and Men? 4. How does the novel explore the themes of friendship and loneliness? 5. What is the significance of the ending of Of Mice and Men?

Of Mice and Men is a classic American novel that explores the themes of the American Dream, friendship, and loneliness. The novel is a moving and tragic story that has resonated with readers for decades.

Study Guide for John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men (Course Hero Study Guides)

by Megan Rix

4.7 out of 5