The novel "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck explores several themes that are universal and can be applied to any time or culture. The themes are linked primarily to George and Lennie as the central characters of the novel. The following are the major themes of the novel:
-
The predatory nature of human existence: The novel teaches a grim lesson about the nature of human existence. Nearly all of the characters, including George, Lennie, Candy, Crooks, and Curley’s wife, admit, at one time or another, to having a profound sense of loneliness and isolation. Each desires the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the attentive ear of a stranger.
-
The nature of dreams: The novel is as much a story about the nature of human dreams and aspirations and the forces that work against them as it is the story of two men. Humans give meaning to their lives and futures by creating dreams. Without dreams and goals, life is an endless stream of days that have little connection or meaning. George and Lennies dream to own a little farm of their own is so central to the novel that it appears in some form in five of the six chapters.
-
The nature of loneliness: Nearly all the characters in the novel experience loneliness and isolation. They desire the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the attentive ear of a stranger. The men in the novel desire to come together in a way that would allow them to be like brothers to one another. That is, they want to live with one another’s best interests in mind, to protect each other, and to know that there is someone in the world dedicated to protecting them.
-
The nature of friendship: The novel introduces the idea of companionship through George and Lennies unusual friendship, which contrasts with the loneliness experienced by other characters such as Curley’s wife, Crooks, and Candy. The men at the ranch share a sort of bond comparable to a brotherly connection, and we see them from time to time protecting each other’s interests and rallying around support for the team.
-
The nature of powerlessness and economic injustices: The novel argues that the social and economic world in which its characters live is fundamentally flawed. The struggle for a place in nature is universal, and its success is uncertain. The oppressive nature of the period was further compounded by the socioeconomic instability of the Great Depression. Throughout the novel, Steinbeck argues that hard times necessitate scapegoats.
-
The nature of weakness: The novel explores the concepts of innocence and weakness, and both of these aspects are intertwined in relation to Lennie. Innocence is seen in Lennie’s disability and childlike nature along with not understanding the reality of his actions or the consequences that follow, while weakness can be seen in George and Lennie’s circumstances, along with Lennie’s shortcomings and George’s struggle to be a protector.
-
The nature of violence: Most every character in the novel lives in fear. The men in the novel desire to come together in a way that would allow them to be like brothers to one another, to protect each other, and to know that there is someone in the world dedicated to protecting them. However, the constant struggle between the weak and the strong is one of the ...
