The chilling moment of truth for Lennie, with Curley’s wife. Photo of Peter Stackpole as "Lenny" from the 1937 Broadway production at the Music Box Theatre.

Documents

Random Thoughts

A neat little essay full of random thoughts on the idea of "mice and men." Draws on Robert Burns’s poem, Steinbeck’s novella, and a reference of the same idea in Douglas Adam’s Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy.

Other

Historical Background on the Depression-Era Setting

A collection of links giving background on Depression-era America, including the plight of migrant workers and the exodus from the plains. There’s also some of Steinbeck’s own story, and links to some helpful sights evaluating his work.

Center for Steinbeck Studies

A very useful source for thinking about Of Mice and Men within the context of Steinbeck’s other works. Especially helpful when examining Steinbeck’s genesis as a writer for America’s poor, as the site tracks the evolution of Steinbeck’s ideas and writing.

"To A Mouse"

A link to Robert Burns’s poem (from which this book gets its title) with annotations for the some of the more difficult and archaic words.

Depression-Era Migrant Workers

Photos and info on migrant workers during the Great Depression.

The National Steinbeck Center

Has great links for more information on John Steinbeck.

Black and White

A graphic novel by Taiyo Matsumoto, which is based on Of Mice and Men.

Quizzes