Of mice and men background & themes ppt

Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men

By John By John SteinbeckSteinbeck

John SteinbeckJohn Steinbeck One of The Great American One of The Great American Writers of the 20Writers of the 20thth Century Century

A Look at the AuthorA Look at the Author Born February 27Born February 27 thth in 1902 in Salinas, California, in 1902 in Salinas, California, John was the third of four children, and the only son.John was the third of four children, and the only son.

During his childhood, Steinbeck During his childhood, Steinbeck learned to appreciate his surroundings, learned to appreciate his surroundings, and loved the Salinas countryside and and loved the Salinas countryside and the nearby Pacific Ocean; it would be the nearby Pacific Ocean; it would be this appreciation that would later come this appreciation that would later come out in his writing.out in his writing.

Steinbeck worked during his summers as a hired Steinbeck worked during his summers as a hired hand in nearby ranches.hand in nearby ranches.

The Fields of Salinas, CaliforniaThe Fields of Salinas, California

The Beauty of SalinasThe Beauty of Salinas

Rich, fertile soilRich, fertile soil

At the age of 14 he decided to be a writer At the age of 14 he decided to be a writer and spent a lot of time writing in his room.and spent a lot of time writing in his room.

In high school, Steinbeck did well in English In high school, Steinbeck did well in English and edited the school yearbook.and edited the school yearbook.

From 1919-1925 Steinbeck attended Stanford From 1919-1925 Steinbeck attended Stanford University to please his parents, but only chose University to please his parents, but only chose courses that interested him, classical and British courses that interested him, classical and British Literature, writing courses, and an odd science Literature, writing courses, and an odd science course.course.

However, Steinbeck did not receive a degree because he However, Steinbeck did not receive a degree because he would drop in and out of school, sometimes to work with would drop in and out of school, sometimes to work with migrant workers and bindlestiffs on California ranches.migrant workers and bindlestiffs on California ranches.

What’s a Bindlestiff?What’s a Bindlestiff?

A hobo, especially one who carries a bedroll.

During the late 1920s and 1930s, he concentrated on During the late 1920s and 1930s, he concentrated on writing and wrote several novels set in California.writing and wrote several novels set in California.

Steinbeck gained Steinbeck gained great success bygreat success byreaders and critics.readers and critics.

In 1929, he published his first novel, In 1929, he published his first novel, Cup of GoldCup of Gold

In 1930, Steinbeck married Carol Henning, and theyIn 1930, Steinbeck married Carol Henning, and theymoved into his family’s home. His father helped support moved into his family’s home. His father helped support the struggling couple, but unfortunately, they divorced in the struggling couple, but unfortunately, they divorced in 1942.1942.

In 1935, he won his first literary prize,In 1935, he won his first literary prize,Commonwealth Club of California Commonwealth Club of California Gold Medal for Best Novel by a Gold Medal for Best Novel by a Californian for his novel, Californian for his novel, Tortilla Flat.Tortilla Flat.

In 1936, In 1936, Of Mice and Men Of Mice and Men was published, was published, and was so widely accepted that Steinbeck and was so widely accepted that Steinbeck began a book tour that led him to Europe.began a book tour that led him to Europe.

In 1939, In 1939, The Grapes of WrathThe Grapes of Wrath was published and became an was published and became an instant best-seller; in 1940 it was instant best-seller; in 1940 it was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, one awarded the Pulitzer Prize, one of the most prestigious literary of the most prestigious literary awards in the world.awards in the world.

This novel, just like This novel, just like Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men, , stemmed from his experience working stemmed from his experience working among migrant workers. among migrant workers.

Steinbeck’s experiences in the fieldsSteinbeck’s experiences in the fields researching migrant workers led him to researching migrant workers led him to have more compassion for these workers,have more compassion for these workers,and stirred up his concern for social and stirred up his concern for social justicejustice..

In 1943 he married Gwendolyn In 1943 he married Gwendolyn Conger who would father him two Conger who would father him two sons before their divorce in 1948.sons before their divorce in 1948.

In 1943 Steinbeck In 1943 Steinbeck worked as a war corre-worked as a war corre-spondent for the New spondent for the New York newspaper,York newspaper, Herald Herald Tribune.Tribune.

While living in Monterey, While living in Monterey, California, Steinbeck said that he California, Steinbeck said that he felt unwelcome as no one would felt unwelcome as no one would rent him an office for writing, and rent him an office for writing, and he was harassed when trying to get he was harassed when trying to get fuel and wood from a local wartime fuel and wood from a local wartime rations board.  rations board. 

Steinbeck wrote that his old friends Steinbeck wrote that his old friends did not want to be around him, did not want to be around him, partly because of his works, and partly because of his works, and partly because he was so successful: partly because he was so successful: “This isn't my country anymore. And “This isn't my country anymore. And it won't be until I am dead. It makes it won't be until I am dead. It makes me very sad.”me very sad.” He left Monterey the He left Monterey the next year and moved to New York.next year and moved to New York.

In 1948 he moved back to Monterey. A year In 1948 he moved back to Monterey. A year later he met Elaine Scott, who in 1950 became later he met Elaine Scott, who in 1950 became his third wife.his third wife.

Although he continued to write and publish, Although he continued to write and publish, he never felt at ease in his life, and once wrote he never felt at ease in his life, and once wrote to an aspiring writer from Salinas: to an aspiring writer from Salinas:

““Don't think for a moment that you will ever Don't think for a moment that you will ever be forgiven for being what they call ‘different.’ You be forgiven for being what they call ‘different.’ You won’t! I still have not been forgiven. Only when I won’t! I still have not been forgiven. Only when I am delivered in a pine box will I be considered am delivered in a pine box will I be considered ‘safe.’ After I had written the Grapes of Wrath the ‘safe.’ After I had written the Grapes of Wrath the librarians at the Salinas Public Library, who had librarians at the Salinas Public Library, who had known my folks remarked that is was lucky my known my folks remarked that is was lucky my parents were dead so that they did not have to parents were dead so that they did not have to suffer this shame.”  suffer this shame.” 

One of Steinbeck’s two sons fought in the One of Steinbeck’s two sons fought in the Vietnam War, while Steinbeck himself was in Vietnam War, while Steinbeck himself was in Asia covering the war for Asia covering the war for NewsdayNewsday, a Long , a Long Island newspaper. Island newspaper.

Steinbeck lost a number of friends Steinbeck lost a number of friends during the anti-war movement due to during the anti-war movement due to his open support of the war and his open support of the war and America’s involvement.America’s involvement.

Steinbeck’s last two Steinbeck’s last two books were nonfiction.books were nonfiction.

Travels with Charley in Travels with Charley in Search of AmericaSearch of America was an was an account of his trip from account of his trip from Maine to California with Maine to California with his poodle, Charley.his poodle, Charley.

His final book, His final book, America America and the Americans,and the Americans, was was about his belief that in about his belief that in time, America would time, America would once again feel united.once again feel united.

John Steinbeck died on December 20, 1968, at his John Steinbeck died on December 20, 1968, at his apartment in New York City.apartment in New York City.

His wife took him home to Salinas to be buried near His wife took him home to Salinas to be buried near the land that he spent his life writing about.the land that he spent his life writing about.

Mural overlooking The National Mural overlooking The National Steinbeck Center in SalinasSteinbeck Center in Salinas

The BookOf Mice and Men was originally called Something That Happened.

When Steinbeck first thought of the idea for the book he intended it to be for children. Steinbeck told a friend that he was experimenting with a new “dramatic form.”

In May 1936, he wrote a manuscript, but his puppy (a setter called Toby) ate it!

He said of the book:

"It is an experiment and I don't know how successful."

Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men The novel deals with the The novel deals with the

issues dear to issues dear to Steinbeck’s heart - Steinbeck’s heart - poverty, homelessness, poverty, homelessness, the exploitation of the exploitation of itinerant workers, the itinerant workers, the failure of the Dream, failure of the Dream, America’s general moral America’s general moral decline.decline.

Main Characters: Lennie & GeorgeMain Characters: Lennie & George

Lennie Small Lennie is a large, lumbering, childlike Lennie is a large, lumbering, childlike

migrant worker. Due to his mild migrant worker. Due to his mild mental disability, Lennie completely mental disability, Lennie completely depends upon George, his friend and depends upon George, his friend and traveling companion, for guidance traveling companion, for guidance and protection. The two men share a and protection. The two men share a vision of a farm that they will own vision of a farm that they will own together, a vision that Lennie believes together, a vision that Lennie believes in wholeheartedly. Gentle and kind, in wholeheartedly. Gentle and kind, Lennie nevertheless does not Lennie nevertheless does not understand his own strength. His love understand his own strength. His love of petting soft things, such as small of petting soft things, such as small animals, dresses, and people’s hair, animals, dresses, and people’s hair, leads to disaster. leads to disaster.

George MiltonGeorge Milton George is a small, wiry, quick-George is a small, wiry, quick-

witted man who travels with, and witted man who travels with, and cares for, Lennie. Although he cares for, Lennie. Although he frequently speaks of how much frequently speaks of how much better his life would be without better his life would be without his caretaking responsibilities, his caretaking responsibilities, George is obviously devoted to George is obviously devoted to Lennie. George’s behavior is Lennie. George’s behavior is motivated by the desire to protect motivated by the desire to protect Lennie and, eventually, deliver Lennie and, eventually, deliver them both to the farm of their them both to the farm of their dreams. Though George is the dreams. Though George is the source for the often-told story of source for the often-told story of life on their future farm, it is life on their future farm, it is Lennie’s childlike faith that Lennie’s childlike faith that enables George to actually believe enables George to actually believe his account of their future. his account of their future.

George and Lennie go to a ranch near Salinas, California, to

work. George is Lennie’s keeper, and Lennie imitates

everything that George does. Lennie previously had been

kicked out of a town for grabbing a girl’s dress. He simply

liked to touch soft items. That is also the reason that he has

a dead mouse in his pocket: Lennie petted him too hardly.

George promises Lennie that some day they will have their

own farm and raise rabbits as well as other animals.

The setting in The setting in OfOf Mice and MenMice and Men The novel is set in the The novel is set in the

farmland of the Salinas farmland of the Salinas valley, where John valley, where John Steinbeck was born.Steinbeck was born.

The ranch in the novel is The ranch in the novel is near Soledad, which is near Soledad, which is south-east of Salinas on south-east of Salinas on the Salinas river.the Salinas river.

The countryside The countryside described at the described at the beginning of the novel, beginning of the novel, and the ranch itself is and the ranch itself is based on Steinbeck’s own based on Steinbeck’s own experiences. experiences.

Soledad, CaliforniaSoledad, California

California in the 1930sCalifornia in the 1930s

Why Migrant Workers?Why Migrant Workers?

Before technology created Before technology created farm machinery, humans farm machinery, humans had to do a lot of the farm had to do a lot of the farm work by hand.work by hand.

Between the 1880s and Between the 1880s and the 1930s, thousands of the 1930s, thousands of men would travel the men would travel the countryside in search of countryside in search of work.work.

Such work included the Such work included the harvesting of wheat and harvesting of wheat and barley.barley.

Migrant WorkersMigrant Workers These workers would earn $2.50 These workers would earn $2.50

or $3.00 a day, plus food and or $3.00 a day, plus food and shelter.shelter.

During the 1930s, the During the 1930s, the unemployment rate was high in unemployment rate was high in the U.S., and with so many men the U.S., and with so many men searching for work, agencies searching for work, agencies were set up to send farm were set up to send farm workers to where they were workers to where they were needed.needed.

In the novel, George and Lennie In the novel, George and Lennie (the two main characters) were (the two main characters) were given work cards from Murray given work cards from Murray and Ready’s, which was one of and Ready’s, which was one of the farm work agencies.the farm work agencies.

Chasing the American DreamChasing the American Dream ““Give me your tired, your poor, Give me your tired, your poor,

your huddled masses yearning your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, the wretched to breathe free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore.refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, Send these, the homeless, tempest tost to me,tempest tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the I lift my lamp beside the golden door.”golden door.”

( ( Emma Lazarus)Emma Lazarus)

Written on the base of the Statue Written on the base of the Statue of Liberty of Liberty

The American Dream The American Dream

You can be successful if you work You can be successful if you work hard and live morally.hard and live morally.

America is the land of opportunity.America is the land of opportunity. Freedom to work hard and be Freedom to work hard and be

happy is enshrined in the happy is enshrined in the Constitution.Constitution.

The Dream assumes equality of The Dream assumes equality of opportunity, no discrimination, opportunity, no discrimination, freedom to follow goals and freedom to follow goals and freedom from victimization.freedom from victimization.

The American DreamThe American Dream From the 17From the 17 thth Century Century

onwards, immigrants onwards, immigrants have dreamed of a better have dreamed of a better life in America.life in America.

Many people immigrated Many people immigrated to America in search of a to America in search of a new life for themselves or new life for themselves or their families.their families.

Many others immigrated Many others immigrated to escape persecution or to escape persecution or poverty in their poverty in their homeland.homeland.

Immigrants dreamed of Immigrants dreamed of making their fortunes in making their fortunes in America. America.

For many this dream of For many this dream of riches became a riches became a nightmare. nightmare. – there were horrors of there were horrors of

slavery, slavery, – there were horrors of the there were horrors of the

American Civil War,American Civil War,– there was a growing there was a growing

number of slums that were number of slums that were just as bad as those in just as bad as those in Europe,Europe,

– there was also great there was also great corruption in the American corruption in the American political system which led political system which led to many shattered hopes.to many shattered hopes.

The idea of an American Dream for The idea of an American Dream for many was broken when in 1929, the many was broken when in 1929, the Wall Street crashed, marking the Wall Street crashed, marking the beginning of the Great Depression.beginning of the Great Depression.

This era affected the whole world This era affected the whole world during the 1930s, but even in the midst during the 1930s, but even in the midst of hardship, some people’s dreams of hardship, some people’s dreams survived.survived.

Thousands of people made their way Thousands of people made their way west towards California to escape from west towards California to escape from their farmlands in the Midwest that their farmlands in the Midwest that were failing due to drought.were failing due to drought.

The characters of George and Lennie The characters of George and Lennie dreamt of having a “little house and a dreamt of having a “little house and a couple of acres” which was their own couple of acres” which was their own dream. dream.

Is the American dream possible in the historical Is the American dream possible in the historical context of the novel?context of the novel?

DreamsDreams George and Lennie have a dream, George and Lennie have a dream,

even before they arrive at their new even before they arrive at their new job on the ranch, to make enough job on the ranch, to make enough money to live "off the fat of the land" money to live "off the fat of the land" and be their own bosses. Lennie will and be their own bosses. Lennie will be permitted, then, to tend the rabbits. be permitted, then, to tend the rabbits.

DreamsDreams When George goes into a full description of the When George goes into a full description of the

dream farm, its Eden-like qualities become dream farm, its Eden-like qualities become even more apparent. All the food they want will even more apparent. All the food they want will be right there, with minimal effort. As Lennie be right there, with minimal effort. As Lennie says:says:– " We co uld live o ffa the fatta the lan' . "" We co uld live o ffa the fatta the lan' . "

When George talks about their farm, he twice When George talks about their farm, he twice describes it in terms of things he loved in describes it in terms of things he loved in childhood: childhood: – " I co uld build a smo ke ho use like the o ne " I co uld build a smo ke ho use like the o ne

g ran'pa had. . . "g ran'pa had. . . " George yearns for his future to reflect the George yearns for his future to reflect the

beauty of his childhood. beauty of his childhood. – " An' we 'd ke e p a few pig e o ns to g o flyin' aro und " An' we 'd ke e p a few pig e o ns to g o flyin' aro und

the win'mill like the y do ne when I was a kid. "the win'mill like the y do ne when I was a kid. "

Meet the Other CharactersMeet the Other Characters CandyCandy CurleyCurley Curley’s WifeCurley’s Wife CrooksCrooks SlimSlim CarlsonCarlson

CandyCandy Candy is an aging ranch handyman, Candy is an aging ranch handyman,

Candy lost his hand in an accident Candy lost his hand in an accident and worries about his future on the and worries about his future on the ranch. Fearing that his age is making ranch. Fearing that his age is making him useless, he seizes on George’s him useless, he seizes on George’s description of the farm he and Lennie description of the farm he and Lennie will have, offering his life’s savings if will have, offering his life’s savings if he can join George and Lennie in he can join George and Lennie in owning the land. The fate of Candy’s owning the land. The fate of Candy’s ancient dog, which Carlson shoots in ancient dog, which Carlson shoots in the back of the head in an alleged act the back of the head in an alleged act of mercy, foreshadows the manner of of mercy, foreshadows the manner of Lennie’s death. Lennie’s death.

CurleyCurley Curley is the boss’s son, Curley Curley is the boss’s son, Curley

wears high-heeled boots to wears high-heeled boots to distinguish himself from the field distinguish himself from the field hands. Rumored to be a champion hands. Rumored to be a champion prizefighter, he is a prizefighter, he is a confrontational, mean-spirited, confrontational, mean-spirited, and aggressive young man who and aggressive young man who seeks to compensate for his small seeks to compensate for his small stature by picking fights with stature by picking fights with larger men. Recently married, larger men. Recently married, Curley is plagued with jealous Curley is plagued with jealous suspicions and is extremely suspicions and is extremely possessive of his flirtatious young possessive of his flirtatious young wife.wife.

Curley’s WifeCurley’s Wife Curley’s wife is the only female Curley’s wife is the only female

character in the novel, Curley’s wife character in the novel, Curley’s wife is never given a name and is only is never given a name and is only referred to in reference to her referred to in reference to her husband. The men on the farm refer husband. The men on the farm refer to her as a “ tramp,” a “ tart,” and a to her as a “ tramp,” a “ tart,” and a “ looloo.” Dressed in fancy, feathered “ looloo.” Dressed in fancy, feathered red shoes, she represents the red shoes, she represents the temptation of female sexuality in a temptation of female sexuality in a male-dominated world. Steinbeck male-dominated world. Steinbeck depicts Curley’s wife not as a villain, depicts Curley’s wife not as a villain, but rather as a victim. Like the ranch-but rather as a victim. Like the ranch-hands, she is desperately lonely and hands, she is desperately lonely and has broken dreams of a better life. has broken dreams of a better life.

CrooksCrooks Crooks, the black stable-hand, gets his name from his crooked back. Proud, Crooks, the black stable-hand, gets his name from his crooked back. Proud,

bitter, and caustically funny, he is isolated from the other men because of the bitter, and caustically funny, he is isolated from the other men because of the color of his skin. Despite himself, Crooks becomes fond of Lennie, and color of his skin. Despite himself, Crooks becomes fond of Lennie, and though he derisively claims to have seen countless men following empty though he derisively claims to have seen countless men following empty dreams of buying their own land, he asks Lennie if he can go with them and dreams of buying their own land, he asks Lennie if he can go with them and hoe in the garden. hoe in the garden.

SlimSlim A highly skilled mule driver and the acknowledged “prince” of the ranch, Slim is A highly skilled mule driver and the acknowledged “prince” of the ranch, Slim is

the only character who seems to be at peace with himself. The other characters the only character who seems to be at peace with himself. The other characters often look to Slim for advice. For instance, only after Slim agrees that Candy often look to Slim for advice. For instance, only after Slim agrees that Candy should put his decrepit dog out of its misery, does the old man agree to let should put his decrepit dog out of its misery, does the old man agree to let Carlson shoot it. A quiet, insightful man, Slim alone understands the nature of the Carlson shoot it. A quiet, insightful man, Slim alone understands the nature of the bond between George and Lennie, and comforts George at the novel’s tragic bond between George and Lennie, and comforts George at the novel’s tragic ending.ending.

Other CharactersOther Characters CarlsonCarlson -  A ranch-hand, Carlson complains bitterly about Candy’s old,  -  A ranch-hand, Carlson complains bitterly about Candy’s old,

smelly dog. He convinces Candy to put the dog out of its misery. When smelly dog. He convinces Candy to put the dog out of its misery. When Candy finally agrees, Carlson promises to execute the task without causing Candy finally agrees, Carlson promises to execute the task without causing the animal any suffering. Later, George uses Carlson’s gun to shoot the animal any suffering. Later, George uses Carlson’s gun to shoot Lennie.Lennie.

The BossThe Boss -  The stocky, well-dressed man in charge of the ranch, and  -  The stocky, well-dressed man in charge of the ranch, and Curley’s father. He is never named and appears only once, but seems to be Curley’s father. He is never named and appears only once, but seems to be a fair-minded man. Candy happily reports that he once delivered a gallon a fair-minded man. Candy happily reports that he once delivered a gallon of whiskey to the ranch-hands on Christmas Day.of whiskey to the ranch-hands on Christmas Day.

Aunt Clara Aunt Clara  - Lennie’s aunt, who cared for him until her death, does not  - Lennie’s aunt, who cared for him until her death, does not actually appear in the novel except in the end, as a vision chastising Lennie actually appear in the novel except in the end, as a vision chastising Lennie for causing trouble for George. By all accounts, she was a kind, patient for causing trouble for George. By all accounts, she was a kind, patient woman who took good care of Lennie and gave him plenty of mice to pet.woman who took good care of Lennie and gave him plenty of mice to pet.

Themes in Themes in Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men

The Nature of DreamsThe Nature of Dreams– In essence, In essence, Of Mice and Men Of Mice and Men is as much a story about the nature is as much a story about the nature

of human dreams and aspirations and the forces that work against of human dreams and aspirations and the forces that work against them as it is the story of two men. them as it is the story of two men.

– Humans give meaning to their lives—and to their futures—by Humans give meaning to their lives—and to their futures—by creating dreams. Without dreams and goals, life is an endless creating dreams. Without dreams and goals, life is an endless stream of days that have little connection or meaning. stream of days that have little connection or meaning.

– George and Lennie’s dream—to own a little farm of their own—George and Lennie’s dream—to own a little farm of their own—is so central to is so central to Of Mice and Men Of Mice and Men that it appears in some form in that it appears in some form in five of the six chapters. five of the six chapters.

LonelinessLoneliness– In addition to dreams, humans crave contact with others to give In addition to dreams, humans crave contact with others to give

life meaning. Loneliness is present throughout this novel. life meaning. Loneliness is present throughout this novel.

Themes in Themes in Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men PowerlessnessPowerlessness

– Steinbeck’s characters are often the underdogs, and he shows compassion Steinbeck’s characters are often the underdogs, and he shows compassion toward them throughout the body of his writings. Powerlessness takes many toward them throughout the body of his writings. Powerlessness takes many forms—intellectual, financial, societal—and Steinbeck touches on them all.forms—intellectual, financial, societal—and Steinbeck touches on them all.

FateFate– Life’s unpredictable nature is another subject that defines the human condition. Life’s unpredictable nature is another subject that defines the human condition.

Just when it appears that George and Lennie will get their farm, fate steps in. Just when it appears that George and Lennie will get their farm, fate steps in. My Brother’s KeeperMy Brother’s Keeper

– Steinbeck makes the reader wonder whether Steinbeck makes the reader wonder whether mankindmankind should go alone in the should go alone in the world or be responsible and helpful to others who are less fortunate. world or be responsible and helpful to others who are less fortunate.

NatureNature– Steinbeck uses nature images to reinforce his themes and to set the mood. Steinbeck uses nature images to reinforce his themes and to set the mood.

Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men – Title’s Origin – Title’s Origin The title of the novel comes from a poem The title of the novel comes from a poem

by the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759 by the Scottish poet Robert Burns (1759 -96)-96)

The best laid schemes o’ mice and menThe best laid schemes o’ mice and menGang aft agley Gang aft agley [often go wrong][often go wrong]And leave us nought but grief and painAnd leave us nought but grief and painFor promised joy!For promised joy!

The best laid schemes of mice and The best laid schemes of mice and men often go wrong- referring to a men often go wrong- referring to a li t t le mouse who had so carefully li t t le mouse who had so carefully built her burrow in a f ield to built her burrow in a f ield to protect herself and her li t t le mice protect herself and her li t t le mice babies – and the burrow is turned babies – and the burrow is turned over and destroyed by the man over and destroyed by the man plowing.plowing.

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