Explanation:
Of Mice and Men is a novella by John Steinbeck, published in 1937. The story is set in the Salinas Valley on the California coast in the United States. It tells the story of two men who travel together as ranch workers looking for jobs during the Great Depression in California.
The book is a parable that illustrates how hard times can lead to crime and violence. Steinbeck shows this with his characters Lennie Small and George Milton, who are so close that they consider themselves brothers. Lennie, who has an intellectual disability, has a tendency toward compulsive behaviors like touching soft things (clothing) or animals. George is Lennie’s caretaker, who keeps him safe from others but also struggles with keeping him under control.
Lennie accidentally kills a person and has to be put down by George. This event represents how hard times can result in violence against others and oneself.