Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

*Light spoilers*

The two traveling companions stepped off the bus, headed toward the ranch where they were scheduled to start working. One was a short and sharp man, the brains of the duo. The other was a childlike giant, with muscle power as his only asset. They had been searching for jobs for a while, since their last fiasco at a former workplace. They were migrant workers, wandering around the California area looking for work. Times were tough, in the midst of the Great Depression of the 1930s, and their state of affairs was far from what one would hope. But they were different from the others; they had a dream that held them together, and a plan that gave them the strength to push forward. 

“The best laid plans of mice and men go oft awry.” That line from Robert Burns’ poem To a Mouse was what inspired the title of John Steinbeck’s award-winning novel. Of Mice and Men is a pretty short book recounting the experiences of a pair of workers in the midst of a terrible economic recession, and shows how even the most meticulous schemes don’t always work the way they’re intended. Focusing on the unique relationship between the two protagonists, George and Lennie, the book presents a narrative unlike any other.

The characters are without a doubt the most defining facet of the story. George, the aforementioned “smart one,” is also very strict, often overly so. His harsh words keep everything in order, and his brain power essentially drives the whole operation. Lennie, on the other hand, has the mental capacity and function of an innocent kid. He’s easily distracted, lacks self control, and can be unstable. Without realizing his own strength, he often endangers the things he cares about. With George almost acting as a caretaker for Lennie, Of Mice and Men shows how such a mismatched pair can vibe with each other, even when their relationship is tested.

Almost the entire story takes place on the ranch, demonstrating the dynamic between the fellow workers and George and Lennie’s places within the group. The day to day happenings lead up to certain moments of tension and excitement, which have profound effects on the goals of the protagonists. I was surprised at how well Steinbeck set up foreshadowing, as well as manipulated suspense. On the whole, the narrative will keep you engaged for the majority of the book.

Of Mice and Men is not a particularly long or verbally intricate book, but I can appreciate that. Though it gets off to somewhat of a slow start, there are few pointless elongations, with each event possessing its own significance. In 187 pages, Steinbeck is able to beautifully illustrate a story of two dysfunctional friends and the mishaps along their journey, culminating in an emotional conclusion that makes the novel well worth a read.

-Andrew K.