1. Of Mice and Men
John Steinbeck

2. John Steinbeck

3. Published 1937– mixed reviews
Previous on MOST CHALLENGED BOOKS of 21st CENTURY list
One of the 10 most frequently challenged books in 2001
Set during The Depression
Naturalism / Realism
Steinbeck is basing on some real experiences

4. Setting– The Depression… near Soledad, California
Stock Market Crash 1929
Dustbowl
Migrant Workers
Purpose of the novel: entertain and educate.
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5. Realism (1870s-1880s)
“… the author makes no attempt to hide the hardships or ugliness of human existence.”
Life depicted as is
Often middle class
Use of local color

6. Naturalism (1880s-1940s)
Emerges out of Realism
Similar to realism but dealt with other subject matter too– sex, violence, poverty
Steinbeck uses several defining characteristics of naturalism but also diverges from it some in the novella.

7. Like animals, we are products of natural surroundings, instincts, and heredity
Complex relationship with environment where nature often seems indifferent
Element of narrative detachment (objective tone)
Questions to what extent we control our fate
Tone is pessimistic

8. Repetition of key line or phrases
Devoid of many poetic features
Conflict between social classes; exploitation of workers by those in power
Tend to focus on one specific occupation/trade
Researched for specific data

9. Title of novella is allusion
Robert Burns’s poem “To a Mouse”
“Best laid plans of mice and men often go askew”
Look for the significance of the title as we read.

10. Allegory– an extended metaphor in which characters, objects, incidents, and descriptions carry one or more sets of fully developed meanings in addition to the literal ones.
Some critics suggest the novella is an allegory… if so, what do the characters represent or symbolize?

11. As you read… pay attention to how the work is an example of Naturalism
As you read… pay attention to how the work is an example of Naturalism. Look for strong imagery (particular animal images), foreshadow, and symbolism. Consider the theme.