The physical environment and circumstances that an individual are exposed to, play a major role in the development and outcome of a person's nature and actions. Of Mice And Men, a novel written by John Steinbeck, is a perfect example of individuals molded and created as a result of their surroundings. Of Mice and Men was written during the American society's bleak period of mass depression (in the 1930's). Parallel to this time in history, the author was also experiencing loneliness and despair due to the surmounting turbulence with his first wife. In addition, the Great Depression was putting finality to the dreams of many Americans. John Steinbeck had interviewed many hobos and heard first hand, the mortality of their dreams. This decorum, combined with John Steinbeck's passion for writing, is the inspiration for Of Mice And Men.
John Steinbeck in his novel is able to portray, with the introduction of simple characters, "the oppressed victims of economic and natural forces beyond their control "� (Bloom53).
English: John Steinbeck
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132 Central Avenue, Salinas, California, the home ...Through the two main characters, George and Lennie, the writer is also able to outline both the harsh times he was similarly experiencing, in addition to exposing the faults of society through the characters. Originally, Steinbeck had named his novel "Something That Happened"� which really suggested the absurdity of life and society. Lennie dies because even though innocent, he was incapable of being a part of a society, which considered him a menace and an animal.
The theme of loneliness is repetitive throughout the story and is eloquently expressed by Crooks. "A guy needs somebody--to be near him. 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, I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an'...