Teacher Guide

Of Mice and Men Lesson Plan

Introduction to Of Mice and Men

The novella takes place during the Great Depression and is set near where Steinbeck was born in California. Drawing upon Steinbeck’s own experiences as a bindlestiff, Of Mice and Men depicts two male migrant ranch workers who share a profound friendship.

The novel centers around George Milton, a socially savvy and intelligent man, and Lennie Small, his mentally handicapped but extremely large, strong companion. George and Lennie dream of a better life for themselves, once they earn enough money as migrant laborers to buy a homestead for themselves. However, they are thwarted by social inequities, lack of understanding, and perhaps even fate.

Of Mice and Men was initially intended to be a...

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