Context Flashcards
What was the Great Depression and how does it relate to the novel?
The Great Depression (1929–1939) caused mass unemployment and poverty in the U.S., especially affecting migrant workers like George and Lennie.
Why were so many men migrant workers during the 1930s?
Jobs were scarce, so men travelled from ranch to ranch, often alone, in search of work and food.
What role does the American Dream play in the novel?
It represents hope and freedom, but Steinbeck shows how it was often unattainable for poor and marginalized people.
How does the novel reflect attitudes toward race at the time?
Racism was widespread in 1930s America; Black people like Crooks were segregated and faced discrimination in all areas of life.
What does the novel reveal about the treatment of women in the 1930s?
Women had very few rights or opportunities and were often objectified or blamed for problems, as seen with Curley’s wife.
How were disabled people treated in the 1930s?
Disabled people were marginalized, lacked support, and were often seen as burdens—like Lennie, who is misunderstood and feared.
What was life like on ranches during this period?
Ranch life was lonely, physically demanding, and unstable, with little job security or companionship.
Why is loneliness such a big theme in the novel?
The economic struggles and social prejudices of the time meant many people lived in isolation, longing for connection.
What is significant about Steinbeck’s own background in relation to the novel?
Steinbeck worked alongside migrant workers in California, giving him firsthand knowledge of their struggles, which he portrays authentically.
