Mice and Men

• What was the harsh reality of the Depression in America during the 1930s?

  It undermined the ideal of America as a land of opportunity.
• What was Curley's wife's dream in the 1930s?

  She dreamt of being a movie star.
• How did film become significant in the 1930s?


  Film became essential mass entertainment and a multi-million dollar industry.
• What major development in film occurred in 1927?

  The first "talking" picture was released.
• Why did people in 1930s America go to see movies?

  As a way to escape the reality of the economic depression.
• Who was elected American President in 1932?

  Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR).
• What were the three main aims of FDR's New Deal?

  • Relief: to help improve the lives of people.
  • Recovery: to begin rebuilding US industry and trade.
  • Reform: to change conditions to ensure future progress.
• How did the economy respond to the New Deal?

  The economy began to recover, but improvement was very slow.
• What significant event occurred in Spain in 1937?

  Civil war broke out in Spain in an attempt to suppress fascism.
• What was the political situation in Germany in 1937?

  The Nazis were in power and becoming increasingly repressive.
• How did Steinbeck's book 'Of Mice and Men' resonate with readers during the 1930s?

  It provided a story that almost everyone could identify with in a chaotic world.
• When was 'Of Mice and Men' first published?

  In 1937.
• What was the state of American society in the 1930s regarding racism?


  American society was very racist during the 1930s.
• How was Crooks treated in 'Of Mice and Men'?

  He was treated pretty badly, reflecting the typical experience of black men in America in the 1930s.
• What was commonplace in the 1930s that would be seen as offensive today?

  Racist language was commonplace.
• What was the situation regarding segregation in the 1930s US states?

  There was segregation in many US states, with black people using separate, lower quality public spaces and services.
• What horrific event occurred in 1930 involving two young black men?

  Thomas Shipp and Abram Smith were lynched without trial or conviction.
• What economic conditions characterized the 1920s in America?

  The 1920s was a 'boom time' with low inflation, low unemployment, and low interest rates.
• What happened to the American stock market in 1929?

  The American stock market crashed catastrophically.
• What were the consequences of the stock market crash in 1929?

  It led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and homelessness.
• What environmental disaster was exacerbated by bad farming practices in Oklahoma?

  The Dust Bowl was created due to over-farming and low rainfall.
• What was the fate of many poor farm workers during the Depression?

  Thousands headed west to California in search of work.
• How did Steinbeck's writing impact employers?

  He made himself unpopular with employers by writing socially critical books.
• What are the underlying themes in 'Of Mice and Men'?

  • The shattering of dreams
  • The plight of the working man
  • The impact of economic hardship
• What was John Steinbeck's birth year and place?

  He was born in 1902 in Salinas, California.
• What influence did Steinbeck's father have on him?

  His father passed on a love of nature to him.
• What was Steinbeck's mother's profession?


  She was a former school teacher.
• How did Steinbeck's early writing experience shape him?

  He wrote short stories and sent them to magazines.
• Did Steinbeck complete his degree at Stanford University?


  No, he never completed his degree.
• What type of work did Steinbeck do during his university vacations?

  He worked as a laborer, digging canals and on farms.
• What did Steinbeck witness that influenced 'Of Mice and Men'?


  He witnessed events while working on ranches that inspired key scenes in the novel.
• What did Steinbeck say about his experience as a bindlestiff?

  He worked in the same country where the story is laid and met a real person who inspired Lennie.
• What was Steinbeck's aim in his writing?

  To promote understanding in a non-judgmental way.
• When did Steinbeck marry his first wife?

  In 1930.
• What was the impact of the sale of film rights for 'Tortilla Flat'?

  It relieved the Steinbecks from financial worries.
• What was the theme of Steinbeck's book 'In Dubious Battle'?

  It was about workers caught in the power struggle between union bosses and employers.
• What was Steinbeck's financial situation when he wrote 'Of Mice and Men'?


  He was financially secure.
• What did Steinbeck express in his journal about his writing ability?

  He suffered agonies of doubt about his ability as a writer.
• What significant event marked the beginning of the Depression?

  The Wall Street Crash in 1929.
• What happened to share prices during the Wall Street Crash?

  Share prices fell dramatically, leading to bankruptcies and loss of fortunes.