Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men John Steinbeck: born in Salinas, CA in 1902; died 1968 Most of his books are set in California and deal with the lives and problems of working people (esp. migrant workers)

Life of a migrant worker • Between 1880 – 1930, huge numbers of men traveled the country harvesting wheat- earning roughly $2.50-3 a day. • During the depression (30s) agencies that were a part of the New Deal were set up to send farm workers where they were needed.

The American Dream in the 30s • The American dream was crushed for many in the 30s with the onset of the depression. Thousands made their way to CA in search of work.

Of Mice and Men • The title of the novel comes from a poem by Scottish poet Robert Burns. (You don’t have to copy this): The best laid schemes o’ mice and men Gang aft agley (often go wrong) And leave us nought but grief and pain For promised joy!

Book details • Setting: the novel is set near the town of Soledad- a real town in southern California • Town lies on the Salinas River- a place Steinbeck knew well growing up

The Dustbowl • During this time climatic changes turned areas of the West into a dustbowl of infertile land, making farming and finding work that much more difficult. • Many farm owners exploited the workers because there were so many.

Characters in Of Mice and Men • George Milton: Lennie’s companion; asked to look after Lennie by L’s Aunt Clara, before she died. George is kind, helps Lennie survive, often insults Lennie but doesn’t mean it, depends on Lennie for friendship. • Lennie Small: Big- doesn’t know his own strength, mind of a child, loves soft things, completely depends on George • Curley: boss’ son- big jerk; small – tries to pick fights with bigger men

Curley’s wife: likes to flirt with all the ranch hands- extremely lonely • Slim: job is jerkline skinner- all the men look up to him- his word goes • Candy: one-handed swamper- has an old, stinky dog • Crooks: black- lives in a room by himself- lonely character • Carlson: used to show brutality of life on the ranch

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

Presentation Transcript

Of Mice and men

Of Mice and Men..

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men:

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

“Of Mice and Men”

Of mice and men

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

OF MICE AND MEN.

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

“Of Mice and Men”

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men