Sam's+Page

Engaging characters are an important aspect of any story, With John Steinbeck, this is even more so. In his stories he focuses on ordinary people, most of them almost seem boring, but then he adds a twist, and thrusts, these ordinary down on their luck people and puts them into situations that are beyond their control. Situations that are caused by bigger, national problems mostly [|the Great Depression]. Steinbeck also likes to show how even in desperate situations normal people can still maintain their honor and integrity. In Steinbeck throws a monkey wrench into the lives of Lennie and George by thrusting them into a ranch, filled with conflict and danger, which eventually, culminates in the taking of Lennie's life. Also he shows many of the Ranch hands such as Slim as the **good guys**. He shows that they are a compassionate and show legitimate concern for each other. Like when Slim offered to give Candy one of his new puppies before Carlson shoots his old one (Steibeck 45). Steinbeck also likes to show that while there is a wide spread economic collapse there is still hope. For instance the fact that Carlson was using a Lugar indicated that he had had a steady income at some point, because those weapons, especially in the 1930s were very much sought after and expensive. Also despite the semi-racist attitude of the 30s the ranch hands treat Candy as one of their own. It could be out of respect for his age, but no matter what it is Steinbeck wanted it shown. Steinbeck grew up in [|Salinas California], during his childhood it was farming country. This along with his travels around the county gave him a perspective into the lives of the people of America during the great depression. Whether they be migrant workers like in __The Grapes of Wraths,__ or ranch hands like in __Of Mice and Men__ he tries to portray them as normal people in extraordinary situations. Also portrayed in of Mice and Men is the violence of the time period. For instance when the mob of ranch hands and Curley get armed and go after Lennie, it didn't seem like they were going out to bring him to the local constable; they, primarily Curly were going out to kill him. This was influenced by the violence that was actualy occuring in Salinas at the time (Steinbeck 1936.) In conclusion the events that occured in the United States and Salinas during the great depression greatly influenced John Steinbeck in his writing, by giving him heros, villians, and problems to include in his books.
 * The Depression in Steinbeck’s work **

Steinbeck, John. //Of Mice and Men//. New York: Penguin, 1993. 45-47. Print.

"John Steinbeck - Biography." //Nobelprize.org//. Web. 06 June 2010. []. //Welcome to The National Steinbeck Center in Salinas, CA//. Web. 07 June 2010. .