Of Mice and Men

The novel, Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck, is a moving and compelling story. The main characters, George and Lennie, share a unique friendship. Lennie is simple-minded and looks up to George like a brother. George looks out for Lennie and makes sure he doesn't get into trouble. George Milton and Lennie Small are two ranch hands who are trying to make a living by working on farms around California during the Great Depression. They had a dream to someday own a small farm together and live off the fat of the land. Until one day Lennie innocently finds himself in serious trouble and George is forced to make the hardest decision of his life in order to spare his best friend.

The characters in Of Mice and Men range from high society ranch owners to black slaves and the disabled. Steinbeck describes each character emotionally and physically. The detailed descriptions of characters and settings make the reader feel as though they are on the ranch as well. The author uses interesting diction and dialogue throughout the novel. For example, he uses repetition of phrases such as "living off the fat of the land''. The dialogue used in story is simple like many of the uneducated characters. Often the dialogue is grammatically incorrect, for example "Lennie never done it in meanness". This paints a vivid picture of who the characters are.

There are many important and significant quotes in the novel but these three quotes stand out to me. "A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. Don't make no difference who the guy is, long's he's with you. I tell ya," he cried, "I tell ya a guys gets too lonely an' gets sick." This quote appeals to me because friendship is the most important thing in the novel. "Seems like they ain't none of them cares how I gotta live. I tell you I ain't used to livin' like this. I coulda made somethin' of myself." This quote is telling the reader that Curley's wife is lonely and resentful. Even the owners wife is lonely on the ranch. This shows that Lennie and George share the most special thing, friendship. "The hand shook violently, but his face set and his hand steadied. He pulled the trigger." This quote is so important because it shows how much George cared for Lennie. George put Lennie down the easy way instead of having farmers run after Lennie and shoot him.