John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a staple of American literature. It tells the story of two laborers, George and Lenny. We meet them two main characters while they are en route to a farm to find work. Goerge is the brains behind the operation, as Lenny is a simple man with brute strength. The men are on the run because Lenny got into trouble in their previous town. George promised Lenny's aunt that he would look after him. When the men finally reach their destination, the story that unfolds is somewhat unexpected.
As an English major in undergrad and a love of literature in general, one would think that I've read this book already. NOOOOOOPE! In my high school English class, I was in the Grapes of Wrath section insted of the OMaM one. In all of my American literature classes in undergrad, Steinbeck's novel was never brought up. I was in the library browsing the other day and it literally fell off the shelf into my hands. I was reaching for something else. It's a short novel, just over 100 pages, but that does not dimish its power. I enjoyed this one immensely. I found myself feeling sorry for Lenny because he was a daft man who seriously had no idea of the impact of his brute strength. It is so sad that things had to happen the way that they did to him. George, on the other hand, was quite possibly one of the most conflicting characters I've ever read. In ways, I felt like he was a master manipulator, but in others I thought that he was brimming with sincerity. Nevertheless, if you're looking for a short, quick read of an American literature staple, I'd definitely recommend this book.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
