Sarah

= //Of Mice and Men// = = =

John Steinbeck
Author Background:
 * Naturalist writer
 * Explored sociological conditions in a objective manner rather than focus on the poetic features
 * Explored conflicts between social classes
 * Focused on one specific occupation rather than an actual life
 * Narrator is an observer.
 * Characters are without free will.
 * Characters cope with what fate presents.

(Protagonist-George) George is a small, quick man with well-defined features. He dreams of one day saving enough money to buy his own place and be his own boss. The majority of George's energy is spent looking after mentally handicapped Lennie, whose mistakes prevent George from working toward his dream. Lennie is tirelessly devoted to George and loves hearing George tell him of his dream of having a farm.
 * Character Sketch**

(Antagonist-Curley) Curley is the son of the boss. He is the angry and hot-headed obstacle to George's attempt to keep Lennie out of trouble. Curley is insecure of his size and over-protective of his wife. Curley is eager to fight anyone he see as a threat. Lennie unintentionally incurs Curley's antagonism simply because of his size.

George and Lennie are migrant workers traveling to a prospective job on a ranch. Along the way George noticed Lennie had something in his pocket; it was a dead mouse. Lennie has a fetish for petting soft things. George threw the dead mouse away and promised Lennie a "fresh" mouse. George comforts Lennie with telling him of their dreams of owning a ranch.
 * Summary**

George and Lennie recieve a job on the ranch. They meet Curley, who right away wants to fight Lennie, but he is calmed down. George tells Lennie to stay away from Curley and gives him specific instructions to hide at the river if he gets in trouble. They also meet Curley's wife, who is very pretty and flirtatious.

George tells the lead skinner, Slim, why they left Weeds. Lennie tried to touch a girl's dress because it looked soft. The girl screamed, and Lennie became scared and held on to her. George makes Lennie let her go, and the girl runs back to town and says she was raped. A mob tried to lynch them. An old swamper hears of George's and Lennie's dream to own a ranch, and he wants in. Curley starts beating Lennie, and Lennie breaks Curley's hand in self-defense.

Lennie and Crooks, the nigger, have a discussion, and Crooks confides in Lennie knowing he won't remember the conversation.

Conflict __Person vs. Person__ Lou vs. His wife- Lou doesn't want to participate in family things, and his wife wants him to, which leads to a lot of fighting. Lou vs. Alfred- Lou and Alfred are competing for a job promotion. Lou vs. Gabe- Gabe is always asking very personal questions, and Lou does not like.

__Person vs. Self__ Lou vs. Self- Lou struggles with the temptation of affairs. Lou vs. Self- Lou struggles with the guilt of not being there for his family because he is trying to advance his career.

One element that make this a good book is the intriguing, dynamic main character. The character is conflicted in that he has affairs, but wants to be the best husband and father. The character's struggles keep the reader interested in the book. Another element is the figurative language used throughout the book. One example of a simile is, "A wreath on a door like a finger upon a lip; blinds down like closed eyelids." The figurative language spices up the book and makes it an enjoyable read.
 * __What elements make this a good book?__**

One element that would make this a better book would be a more intricate plot. The plot of the story is overused and stale. The reader is able to expect the ending of the book.
 * __What would make this book better?__**

The author wants the reader to know that time is precious, and we must use it wisely. The reader should spend their time with the people who matter most than trying to win a promotion.
 * __What is the most important thing the author wants you to know?__**


 * __What does the audience need to know to understand and enjoy the book?__**