Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck...where to begin? Like many of the characters in Steinbeck's novels, the characters seem to struggle with remaining carefree yet responsible enough to survive. Similar to Mack and the boys in Cannery Row, George and Lennie seem to drift through life and space; they seem to be ethereal representations of the time period and the ideal, thoughtful and carefree lifestyle that seems integral to most of Steinbeck's works. Also like many of Steinbeck's others writings, Of Mice and Men is set in California.

The two main characters, George and Lennie, are quickly categorized as wondering blue-collar workers. George expresses loneliness, which is interesting because it isn't an emotion ever connected with Mack and the boys at all. I interpreted this as George looking for some support to care for Lennie, and lets face it, no matter how great of a person Lennie is, it is inevitable that George will yearn for some non-retarded company. This is an interesting commentary on how men can live, and how true male companionship is a much needed part of this carefree yet observant and intellectual lifestyle that always seems to posses faint undertones of the Beat Movement of San Francisco, although Of Mice and Men was published before the 1950's.

Remaining on the issue of relations between George and Lennie comes the issue of power, which is a reoccurring theme throughout the novel. A parallel that immediately jumped out at me that remained hidden to my previously unversed eye was the link between Lennie's control and mishandling of his mice, and George's own control and mishandling of Lennie. In a way they both have the much needed tragic flaws, George's quick temper and Lennie's strength, that keeps that from properly connection with their "lessors".

Also, another theme that seems to weasel its way into all of our readings is the concept of the authors perception of the American Dream. George and Lennie's constantly reoccurring dream of owning a farmhouse seems to be the thing keeping them going, yet this American Dream is not meant to be, leaving the sole George once again drifting and destitute, staring over the mountains with a shot-gun in his hand.