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Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
Publication Date: 1937

A controversial tale of friendship and tragedy during the Great Depression

Over seventy-five years since its first publication, Steinbeck's tale of commitment, loneliness, hope, and loss remains one of America's most widely read and taught novels.

An unlikely pair, George and Lennie, two migrant workers in California during the Great Depression, grasp for their American Dream. They hustle work when they can, living a hand-to-mouth existence. For George and Lennie have a plan: to own an acre of land and a shack they can call their own.

When they land jobs on a ranch in the Salinas Valley, the fulfillment of their dream seems to be within their grasp. The pair seems unstoppable until tragedy strikes and their hopes come crashing down, forcing George to make a difficult decision regarding the welfare of his best friend.

Of Mice and Men achieved remarkable success as a novel, a Broadway play, and three acclaimed films.

An Introduction to Of Mice and Men
This brief clip presents an overview of the Great Depression and introduces John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men.
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Of Mice and Men Themes
This brief clip discusses the key themes in John Steinbeck's novella Of Mice and Men.
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Of Mice and Men (1992) Movie Trailer
Watch the trailer for 1992 movie adaptation of Of Mice and Men
On John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men
Nate Brown offers a historical overview of the novel as well as the novel's impact on our culture and society, including Texas' "Lennie Standard" used for determining if a criminal should receive the death penalty.

Video: Context of Of Mice and Men