Naturalism and friendship in "Of Mice and Men"

Abstract

This essay covers a discussion of how naturalism and friendship are seen in the novel Of Mice and Men (1937) by John Steinbeck. The conclusion is that various common naturalistic themes may be seen in the novel. It includes themes such as focus on lower class people, thorough and primitive portraits of characters, and the often occurring theme that people are destined to fail in life. This essay also explores two messages the essay's author argues Steinbeck wanted to convey through the novel; The importance of friendship, and a criticism of social conditions in America.