Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Without much doubt, reading the novel 'Of Mice and Men' does not prove

to be a positive story. Its main input is sadness whether through

loneliness or unhappiness in the hearts of the characters in the

general social and economic environment of the time. The social

context of the story is destined for loneliness as the novel was set

in the times of 'Depression'-times where employment proved to be

difficult. As a result many were affected by poverty and loneliness as

many moved constantly in search of work. Furthermore, the setting of

the story Soledad is short for the town's full name, 'Nuestra senora

de Soledad' which means 'our Lady of Loneliness'.

Steinbeck portrays the main characters in the story as people who face

challenges of the depression. He examines such themes of American

culture as dreams, loneliness and racism. Characters chosen to evoke

such themes are usually the outcasts within the novel- Lennie, Candy,

Curley's wife and Crooks.

For such a novel portrayed in utter sadness and sorrow, Steinbeck

chooses to start it with hopefulness and optimism "On the valley side

the water is lined with trees-willows fresh and green with every

spring." Presumably, this is doneto add greater misery when things

begin to go wrong as 'not all things beginning peacefully will end

peacefully'. The first impressions about George and Lennie put doubts

about whether the novel will remain as such a bright and hopeful story

"For a moment the place was lifeless, and then two men emerged from

the path". Having read the story, the novel starts with these scenes

of optimism though gradually it turns into a...

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...ism. Though, hope

surely does shine throughout the story; and amongst the sadness it can

be simply spotted as it stands out high. However, Steinbeck does not

evoke these moments of hope just to eliminate some of the deep events.

He does this to add more sadness to the novel and so the reader can

feel a greater sense of upset. This sense is usually recognized after

having finished the novel, and then having time to reflect upon it.

Hope keeps society in tacked; with loneliness it will just corrupt

through misery. It was this loneliness which was responsible for lack

of hope in the ranch workers. This can be proven by looking at how

much hope Lennie and George's bond has compared to the ranch workers.

Therefore, Friendship, human interaction, equality and human rights is

essential for the happiness of all people in life.