“Lennie begged, “Le's do it now. Le's go get that land now.” “Sure right now,” George affirmed. “We gotta',” But he raised the gun and steadied it, and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennie's head. George's hand shook violently, but his face set, and his hand steadied. He pulled the trigger.” Of Mice and Men was written by John Steinbeck in 1937, and tells the heartbreaking tale of George, a short and smart migrant worker, and Lennie, a big and strong migrant worker who travels with George like a brother, partly because he is too dumb to live by himself. They are run out of Weed, California because Lennie is wrongly accused of rape, and was going to be put to death. This novel is a great read because the up and down-ness of their lives overcomes the somehat boring points of the story, Steinbeck also creates a feeling of indignance or sympathy towards the characters while using great imagery, and because the story is inspiring and also not afraid to include social issues.
The average copy of the novel (it is printed in many different sizes and forms) is about 190 pages. This is somewhat short, but Of Mice and Men can still feel a bit dry at certain points. This does not mean it isn't a beautiful and inspiring tale that deserves to go down as one of the all time greats in American literature. John Steinbeck uses vivid imagery that makes you feel as though you were there at the ranch with George and Lennie. Because the majority of the novel is about their time at the ranch, though, it can become a bit stale. Steinbeck is always able to keep the reader hooked however due to the constant up and down of George and Lennie's lives. One minute they look like they will finally be able to live out their dream of owning a bunny farm, and the next Lennie is being hunted for murder.
“Well, you keep your place then n*gger. I could have you strung up on a tree so easy it ain't even funny.” John Steinbeck does a great job of keeping us glued to the book, by creating a feeling of indignancy and compassion towards certain characters. In this example Curley's wife disgraces Crooks when he asks politely to leave his small home. Her actions instantly make the reader loathe her, which only raises the interest when she tries to seduce other ranch hands, or when she is accidentally killed by Lennie. This might make the novel more intrigung to someone who is a very passionate reader, as they become attached to some characters and disgusted by others. Also, because of the beautiful imagery of the Salinas County, this book would be good for anyone who likes “traveling” to a different place during their reading.
Also in Of Mice and Men Steinbeck reitterates some very important themes throughout. Frienship, especially between George and Lennie, never ends and both will do whatever they must to keep the other in the best position. Even though George would probably be better off without Lennie with him, he stays because he knows Lennie needs him. Sacrificing yourself, for someone else over and over again is true friendship, and it is truly inspiring to see. These are the themes in books that really make you look at your life and decide what is important. Also in the novel, Steinbeck has underlying social issues. For example Curley's wife remains nameless throughout the book to show the place women were at in this time. Not only that, but she rarely ever came out of the house and was constantly being treated poorly, as if the workers of the ranch only cared for her body.
From the first page to the last Of Mice and Men carries you through the sometimes brutal life of an American 1930s ranch hand. As you follow the tough but promising days of George and Lennie you will become fully engulfed in their lives through the perfect imagery of John Steinbeck. The book keeps you guessing what will happen next until the very final pages, and keeps you reading until then with the up and down storyline, beautiful imagery, indignant and sympathetic characters, controversial social issues, and the inspiring message of true friendship.