Background Research on Mice and Men
By Hannah Boyajieff
The Great Depression
Farmers were extremely affected during the great depression. Those who weren't starving, were likely losing their property. The horrible economy resulted in a drastic increase in crime rate, because many unemployed individuals were forced to result to theft of food, clothing, and other everyday needs.
More information on the Great Depression can be found on the following links:
The American Dream
There are many people who do not have a fair opportunity for success, because many people believe that those of certain backgrounds should not receive as much support as the rest of the population. When Jefferson had written "all men are created equal", what he really meant was "all white men are created equal." Therefore, many years ago, individuals of a different ethnic group than white were not given nearly as much opportunity as Caucasians. And although today's society stresses equal liberties, not all individuals are treated with the same support and have the same chance for success as the rest of the population.
Watch the following you tube video for a further understanding of the American Dream:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yN7TSrkPKEA
For more information on the American Dream can be found on the following links:
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/lessons/american-dream/students/thedream.html
John Steinbeck
Some of John Steinbeck's most famous pieces of writing include The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, East of Eden, Cannery Row, Tortilla Flat, and Travels with Charley. During the 1930's Steinbeck suffered from the Great Depression just as much as the average western US citizen, if not more. His marriage had fallen apart, and in addition he was forced to request financial assistance. His financial struggle had a direct influence on his themes of literature.
Steinbeck's novels are considered classics of western literature. Common themes of his are fate, justice, friendship, prejudice, hardship, and the fight against the wealthy. In his writing, he enjoyed displaying the battle of the underdog. The majority of Steinbeck's themes pertain to the American Dream, and take place in central or southern California, because his writing often stems from his memories as a child in California.
More information on Steinbeck can be found on the following links: