‘Of Mice and Men’ - Context Sheet
About the Author: John Steinbeck
Born in Salinas, California in 1902.
Grew up in Monterey, California and spent his
teenage summers working on ranches and beet farms.
Developed a true empathy for the lives of the
ranch workers, their plight and struggles.
Passionate about social justice, which features in
many of his novels.
His best known works deal intimately with the
plight of the desperately poor California wanderers,
who seem to, despite their plight, often triumph
spiritually.
Won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1962.
One of the Great American Writers of the 20th
century.
Died in New York in 1968.
About the Novel
Both written and set in the 1930s in America.
Takes place during the ‘Great Depression’, which
was a time of economic hardships and a struggle to
survive.
During the Great Depression, farmers were hit
badly, and many were forced to leave their homes and
travel to find work.
The power of private bosses accelerated, with
workers being able to be fired at the boss’ will alone.
Like many of Steinbeck’s novels, OMAM focuses
on the economic problems of America’s poor.
Although a fictional novel, OMAM is deeply
rooted in historical fact and realities.
KEY HISTORICAL DATES
1870s - Roots of the ‘Jim Crow Laws’ and legislations which sanctioned segregation in
America for almost 100 years.
1920s - boxing is transformed from a backyard sport to a social phenomenon, and surges in
popularity.
1930s-1940s - recognised as the ‘Golden Era of Hollywood.
1929 - The Wall Street Crash
1929-1939 - The Great Depression
1931 - Mass drought & soil erosion (caused by farming) contributed to the ‘Dust Bowl’
period.
KEY THEMES AND CONTEXTS
MIGRANT WORKERS
The Great Depression caused many economic and ecological factors which led to many
travelling for work.
Many of these were labouring, agricultural workers.
Predatory nature of 1930s America - survival of the fittest and most able.
THE AMERICAN DREAM
The belief that everyone is free to achieve their goals and prosper through hard work, regardless
of race, religion or disability.
Contrast between promise and reality - many were driven by hope of achieving this lofty
reality.
America seemed like a ‘promised land’ for many during this turbulent period.
Promised rights including “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
THE ROLE OF WOMEN
Focus on the domesticated role of women - subservience and control.
Dangerous femininity - women were perceived as potential ‘trouble’ for men.
Some turned to solicitation as a means of survival in a cruel world (‘cathouses’)
Physical femininity over substance - women perceived as less powerful/capable than men.
RACISM/SEGREGATION
Suffered exclusion and segregation (Jim Crow Laws) and were not considered as equal citizens.
Bitterness of isolation, denied companionship and stability.
Limited rights.
Powerlessness to rise above their circumstances and escape ill-treatment.
Racist terms and attitudes were ingrained - considered an almost normal behaviour.
Physical, verbal and emotional suffering at hands of the society in which they tried to survive.
PHYSICAL IMPAIRMENT/AGEISM
Instability of future and employment - fortune favoured the able-bodied.
Less respected and valued as useful - physical health was considered impaired through age.