【97-2 優等】應外二 歐仲庭：Of Mice and Men Book Report

Of Mice and Men Book Report

參賽者：歐仲庭（應外二）
名次：優等
書名：Of Mice and Men
得獎作品：

     Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck and published in 1937, is a novel telling the tragic story of George Milton and Lenny Small. This book tells us a story about two friends who love and protect each other, while working together towards achieving their dreams. Of Mice and Men is a controversial book due to the inclusion of killing and violence. It also brings attention towards other controversial topics such as euthanasia and prejudice. Despite all these, Of Mice and Men is still a popular book that is read in high schools all over the United States. Of Mice and Men is a small book that has a brilliantly written plot which will touch many people’s hearts.

     The story is set in California during the Great Depression in the 1930’s. George Milton and Lenny Small are both migrant workers. George is a small but intelligent and responsible man. Lenny on the other hand is completely different. Lenny is very strong physically, but is mentally disabled and very simple. They have been traveling companions since young, and Lenny is dependent upon George for protection and guidance. They not only share a mutual friendship and devotion, but the same dream as well. They have a dream of one day buying and owning their own piece of land, on which Lenny can tend rabbits. The story begins when they report to and start working on a ranch. Curly is the boss’s son, who is recently married to a beautiful, but flirtatious woman. All seems to be working well toward realizing their dream. Their plan had been set, all they needed to do was work a bit longer. One day, however, tragedy strikes. All the men on the ranch left to a brothel, except Lenny. Lenny was tending a puppy in the barn when Curley’s wife appears. She flirts with him, eventually asking him to touch her hair. Lenny, fond of soft things, began to stroke her hair. He was too strong however, and began to hurt her. When she started screaming, Lenny attempted to silence her and accidentally breaks her neck. Lenny escapes to the hiding place that George sets up for them to meet in times of danger. When the rest of the men got back, they realized what happened and set up a lynch party. George got to Lenny first, and to the surprise of Lenny, George was not angry at him. George begins to tell Lenny the story of their dream again. How they would own a beautiful piece of land, and Lenny would be playing with the rabbits. As the lynch party got closer, George shoots Lenny in the back of the head. George killed his friend out of mercy, so that he will not endure cruel suffering from the others.

     I read this book in high school, and it has been my favorite book ever since. The story is simple, yet strong and powerful. Having a brother myself, seeing how George and Lenny love and take care of each other touches me. Their friendship and devotion is very moving, especially seeing what they do for each other. The ending where George shot Lenny was one of my most shocking experiences when reading. There was no way that I could have prepared myself for that scene, it was just too sad and unbelievable. In fact I re-read the same paragraphs over and over just to make sure it really did happen. The act of shooting his friend, perhaps a type of euthanasia, was heroic by George. George ended Lenny’s life peacefully without any suffering. If George did not make the move, Lenny would have suffered cruelly under the hands of the lynch mob. Another sad side of the story was to see them so close to their dream, and yet to have everything fall apart that night. I really liked the character Lenny, because he was like a child. He was huge physically, but likes soft things and animals. He was one step away from being in a ranch tending rabbits all day long and being taken cared by George. It is also sad to see the ending from George’s point of view. Even if he does eventually save up enough money to buy his farm, is it still the same without Lenny? His dream must have always included Lenny in the picture. Would owning a new farm still be worth anything to George now? I find it extremely sorrowful to imagine the picture of George alone on his own farm, seeing no purpose and feeling extremely solitary and empty.

     Of Mice and Men, written by John Steinbeck and published in 1937, is a small book with a touching plot that is brilliantly written. George and Lenny are memorable characters that readers will grow to like. They have dreams, like the rest of us, so we can relate to them. Their friendship is almost like a brotherhood and very touching. It is sad that they cannot realize their dreams together, even though it was already within grasp. Overall, Of Mice and Men is an excellent book that is recommended to anyone who loves friendship and dreams.