Of Mice and Men

4.7 (11,548 ratings)

Written by: John Steinbeck

Performed by: Gary Sinise

Length: 3 hrs 11 mins

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Of Mice and Men is a renowned novella by American author John Steinbeck. Published in 1937, it has been hailed as one of the cornerstones of American literature due to its exploration of themes that resonate deeply with the universal human experience. The story is set during the Great Depression and follows two migrant ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, as they move across California in search of employment.

George is small and sharp-witted, taking care of Lennie, who, despite his immense physical strength, possesses the mental faculties of a child. They share a dream of one day owning their own land and achieving a sense of independence and peace. This common hope is a central component to their story, serving as a beacon of hope in their otherwise tumultuous existence. However, as is often the case with Steinbeck's works, this dream is met with insurmountable obstacles. Their employment on a new ranch introduces complexities and challenges that threaten to unravel both their plans and their friendship.

Of Mice and Men explores themes of friendship, loneliness, the pursuit of dreams in the face of adversity, and our responsibility to look out for one another in an often unkind world. Described by Steinbeck as "a kind of playable novel, written in novel form but so scened and set that it can be played as it stands, " the work has been adapted successfully on stage and screen numerous times. Of Mice and Men has also faced censorship challenges, being frequently targeted for its language and social commentary. Nevertheless, it remains a staple of American literature, celebrated for its insight, empathy, and Steinbeck's unmatched storytelling prowess.

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About the author

John Steinbeck was an acclaimed American novelist, journalist, and writer. He is best known for his novels depicting the lives of the working class and migrant workers in California, frequently exploring themes of economic hardship, injustice, bigotry, and loneliness. The Grapes of Wrath (1939), which follows the Joad family during the Dust Bowl migration, cemented his reputation as a voice for the oppressed and disenfranchised in America. Some of his other notable works include Tortilla Flat (1935), In Dubious Battle (1936), Of Mice and Men (1937), Cannery Row (1945), The Pearl (1947), and the family saga he considered his magnum opus, East of Eden (1952).

Steinbeck was born in Salinas, California, in 1902 and spent his formative years in the agriculture-rich Salinas Valley. He attended Stanford University intermittently between 1920 and 1926, but never received a degree. Instead, he focused on writing, often supporting himself as a manual laborer. In addition to his fiction, he collaborated on a study of the fauna of the Gulf of California, Sea of Cortez (1941), and served as a war correspondent during World War II and the Vietnam War. He also traveled widely, keeping a lifelong curiosity about people and places. In one of his last works, Travels with Charley (1962), he recounts a cross-country road trip with his dog where he rediscovers America.

Steinbeck won a Pulitzer Prize and a National Book Award for The Grapes of Wrath. In 1962, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for "his realistic and imaginative writings, combining as they do sympathetic humour and keen social perception." However, the decision was criticized by some in the literary community who felt his work did not rise to that level. The author responded with grace, stating frankly that he did not believe he deserved the award.

John Steinbeck died of heart disease on December 20, 1968, at his home in New York City. He remains an influential figure in American literature.