Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a classic novel. This was a great book. It takes place during the Great Depression in California. It tells the story of two men named George and Lennie. These two people are completely different people and have opposite personalities. George is a small person, while Lennie is a big man and acts childlike and naive. But through all the loneliness and seclusion, they became best friends. They are migrant workers who went to a nearby ranch to get a job. They just escaped from their previous job because Lennie was accused of rape for toughing a women's dress to feel the softness. During their journey, Lennie finds a dead mouse and starts playing with it. He likes playing with small things. And George scold him for playing with it. Laborers in the California fields, work really hard, living a difficult time. George and Lennie had a plan. Their goal was to own an acre of land and a shack in which they can own. But when they get jobs on a ranch in Salinas Valley, they feel achieving their goal is completely difficult and impossible. And George can not always protect Lennie from flirtatious women, nor the disobedience Lennie has for George.
I thought one important theme of the book was the impossibility of an American dream. Many characters in the book are dreaming for a different and better lifestyle. George and Lennie's dream is to own a farm, which would let them have protection from the outside world. And during their journey, they realize the impossibility of this actually happening. They begin to realize that Crooks is right that "freedom, contentment, and safety are not yet to be found in this world". Even in society today, sometimes people's dreams are hard to achieve. But hard work will most likely help accomplish it.
I liked reading this book a little bit. This was one of the first classics I read this year. So, it gave me a different perspective. Also since in took place during the Great Depression, it is historically accurate. This is a great read and I encourage anyone who likes classics to read Of Mice and Men.
