Of Mice and Men: A Timeless Classic

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Recommended: Topic On American Literature

Of Mice and Men, by John Steinback, recounts a tragic tale of two migrant workers living in the Salinas River Valley, California. Unlike most migrant workers, the pair travels together forming a motely family. George and Lenny are an incongruous twosome, as George is small and astute and Lennie is large and mentally disabled. Since its publication in 1937, Of Mice and Men has become one of the great American classics. Of Mice and Men remains an American classic because it explains timeless themes such as: loneliness, companionship, the human tendency towards cruelty at moments of vulnerability, and the American dream. Nearly all characters in Of Mice and Men are lonely, seeking a connection or bond with other characters. Through these characters, Steinback asserts the basic human need for companionship. Although George won’t often admit it, he seems to be grateful for the companionship of Lennie. In a rare insight in chapter 2, George explains to Slim, “I ain’t got no people. I’ve seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain’t no good…You get used to goin’ around with a guy.” Lennie also feels this need for companionship; he is unwaveringly loyal to George because he feels grateful to have a friend. Lennie is overjoyed each time that they repeat their dialogue about what makes them different from other migrant workers; “We got each other, that’s what, that gives a hoot in hell about us.” This simple statement asserts that both Lennie and George feel that their friendship makes them special and unique from other migrant workers. Curley’s wife is another example of a character who seeks company. She constantly tries to talk to the other men, not necessarily out of promiscuousness, but out of a deep desire to ha... ... middle of paper ... ...e in his success, believing that they might be able to change their lives too. The “American Dream” continues to influence people today. The “American Dream” states that people can change their social/economic status and achieve happiness. This ideal of social mobility continues to inspire many working class families in our nation. On a worldwide scale, the lure of any dream can give people hope in dark situations. The major themes of Of Mice and Men include: loneliness, the need for companionship, rapaciousness in vulnerability, and the lure of the “American Dream”. These are universal themes that relate to people of all time periods. Of Mice and Men is an American classic because it presents timeless themes that continue connect to modern readers. For as long as humans know love, hardship, loyalty, and hope, Of Mice and Men will be a popular American classic.

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