[ Of Mice & Men Photo Gallery ]
The 1930’s, a time past and now unfamiliar to all but a
few of us. A national time of poverty, fear and detachment from things
unfamiliar. A time of separation and loneliness. Especially for those who
were forced to leave their homes to eke out a living , moving from job to
job and crop to crop, never able to settle or develop friendships or
lasting relationships.
Into this environment come two migrant workers, mutually
dependent--one detached from others because he is mentally challenged, the
other reliant on the companionship and trust of his slow but adoring,
partner. Like the period in which it is set, this is a story of isolation
and loss. By the end, all of the major players have experienced a profound
change in their lives--some thru prejudice, some through profound tragedy.
And yet, through it is a pervasive sense of hope, of dreams for a better
future.
The language of this play is as harsh and realistic as
the time in which it was set. Some of the language is hateful, filled with
prejudice and shocking for us now, but Steinbeck, with these words, with
this story, paints a vivid picture of the men and women of the era and of
the loneliness, fear or anger that isolated each from those around them.
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