From Conflict to Identity: Main Issues Explored in US Literary Education - Sykalo Eugen 2023

How does the setting of the Great Depression impact the themes of Of Mice and Men?

John Steinbeck's seminal novella, "Of Mice and Men," stands as a poignant testament to the profound impact of the Great Depression on the human condition. Set against the backdrop of 1930s America, a time marred by economic hardship, social instability, and shattered dreams, Steinbeck artfully employs the setting to underscore the themes of isolation, disillusionment, and the inescapable nature of the American Dream. The harsh and unforgiving landscape of California's Salinas Valley becomes a character in its own right, embodying the struggles and aspirations of the characters, while also highlighting the oppressive forces that shape their lives.

The Salinas Valley, with its arid plains and desolate beauty, serves as a microcosm of the desolation and destitution wrought by the Great Depression. It becomes a harsh and unforgiving terrain where the characters are trapped, both physically and emotionally. The vastness and barrenness of the land mirror the characters' sense of isolation and their futile attempts to escape their circumstances. The setting serves as a constant reminder of the harsh realities of their existence, reinforcing the themes of loneliness and powerlessness.

The ranch where much of the novella takes place becomes a microcosm of society during the Great Depression, highlighting the desperate struggle for survival and the erosion of dreams. The communal living conditions on the ranch create a sense of camaraderie and shared hardship among the workers, but also expose the underlying tensions and power dynamics. The bunkhouse, a cramped and impersonal space, becomes a symbol of the characters' lack of individuality and the loss of personal agency. The bleakness of the bunkhouse mirrors the desolation of the era, emphasizing the crushing weight of poverty and the erosion of human dignity.

The theme of isolation is further accentuated through the portrayal of Crooks, the African-American stable hand, who is segregated from the other workers due to his race. Crooks is confined to a separate living space, a small and claustrophobic room adjacent to the barn. This physical separation underscores the pervasive racial discrimination and social isolation experienced by marginalized communities during the Great Depression. Crooks' isolation becomes a symbol of the broader alienation and loneliness that plagues the characters, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of the era.

The dream of owning a piece of land and achieving self-sufficiency serves as a central theme in "Of Mice and Men." The characters' aspirations of a better life, epitomized by George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm, become a source of both hope and despair. The setting of the Salinas Valley, with its promise of fertile land and agricultural opportunities, represents the illusory nature of the American Dream. The characters' belief in the possibility of a better future clashes with the reality of economic hardship and the constant struggle to survive. The setting underscores the inherent contradictions and unattainable nature of the American Dream during the Great Depression, emphasizing the precariousness of dreams in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The cyclical nature of the setting, with its recurring seasons of growth and decay, mirrors the characters' experiences and the transience of their aspirations. The ebb and flow of the agricultural cycles reflect the transient nature of their dreams, which are continuously dashed by the harsh realities of the Depression. The setting becomes a metaphor for the characters' lives, where moments of hope are followed by disillusionment and shattered dreams, reinforcing the futility and impermanence of their pursuits.

Furthermore, the symbolism of the natural world within the setting adds depth to the themes of the novella. The idyllic description of the Salinas River and the surrounding landscape serves as a stark contrast to the characters' lives, highlighting the unattainable beauty and tranquility that exists beyond their reach. The portrayal of the animals in the novella, such as the dead mouse and the puppies, serves as a reminder of the fragility of dreams and the inevitability of loss.

The setting of the Great Depression in "Of Mice and Men" serves as a powerful backdrop that shapes the themes and symbolism of the novella. The harsh and unforgiving landscape of the Salinas Valley mirrors the characters' isolation, powerlessness, and shattered dreams. The communal living conditions on the ranch expose the underlying tensions and eroding sense of dignity. The cyclical nature of the setting reflects the transience of their aspirations, while the symbolism of the natural world adds depth to the themes of the novella. Steinbeck's masterful use of setting contributes to the haunting and resonant exploration of the human condition during one of the darkest chapters in American history.