Living A Good Life In John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men

Throughout the early 1930’s, Steinbeck’s characters were in search of a better life. They believed that they would achieve freedom from their nomadic lifestyles in America. Unfortunately, after the Wall Street crash of 1929 many of them lost their dream once the Great Depression began. To make matters worse, the increased farming activity and the 7 year drought, which began in 1931, created the Dust Bowl in the Great Plain States. During this time, many people traveled to California in search of jobs and an easier life. George and Lennie, one of the many migrant workers, had a dream of one day owning their own property, but with a turn of events they lose their chance at this dream and end up alone and devastated. Nevertheless, George and Lennie’s compassion for one another manages to override the story’s dark mood. In his book Of Mice and Men, John Steinbeck suggests that companionship is paramount to living a good life. Steinbeck chooses to reveal this theme through his characters Curley, Crooks, George and Lennie.
In the beginning of the story, George talks about the men who go around the ranches alone and angry. “I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain’t no good. They don’t have no fun. After a long time they get mean. They wantin’ to fight all the time” (Steinbeck 41). An example of these men is Curley, who has no sympathy or empathy towards others. His relationship with his wife was very difficult because he did not truly love her and often