How to be famous
Want to be the kind of famous where you get your books banned and win a Nobel prize for Literature?
Well, you could try writing a novel like Of Mice and Men, because that's exactly what happened to Steinbeck.
When it was published Of Mice and Men horrified some readers because of its racism, sexism, and unapologetic and uncensored description of a lifestyle that involves brothels, swearing, and killing. At the same time it impressed and moved critics with its grit and realism.
Of Mice and Men has been studied by countless GCSE candidates but it's much more than an easy ticket to an English GCSE. From its publication in 1937 to today it remains a risky, modern and deeply uncomfortable novel. The style of writing may kid you into thinking it's simple but it's not.
We're in trouble, Of Mice and Men, claims. Our ideas of happiness are messed up - or if they're not - then we're never going to be happy anyway.People are cruel and selfish and that doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon. Most of us live lonely, empty and incredibly insignificant lives.
And it's possible that the kindest thing you can do for someone will be the hardest thing you will ever have to do.
.... But that even when you've done it, nothing will really change and even more distressingly, no-one will understand.*
*with the possible exception of Slim. Read the end - what do you think?
Well, you could try writing a novel like Of Mice and Men, because that's exactly what happened to Steinbeck.
When it was published Of Mice and Men horrified some readers because of its racism, sexism, and unapologetic and uncensored description of a lifestyle that involves brothels, swearing, and killing. At the same time it impressed and moved critics with its grit and realism.
Of Mice and Men has been studied by countless GCSE candidates but it's much more than an easy ticket to an English GCSE. From its publication in 1937 to today it remains a risky, modern and deeply uncomfortable novel. The style of writing may kid you into thinking it's simple but it's not.
We're in trouble, Of Mice and Men, claims. Our ideas of happiness are messed up - or if they're not - then we're never going to be happy anyway.People are cruel and selfish and that doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon. Most of us live lonely, empty and incredibly insignificant lives.
And it's possible that the kindest thing you can do for someone will be the hardest thing you will ever have to do.
.... But that even when you've done it, nothing will really change and even more distressingly, no-one will understand.*
*with the possible exception of Slim. Read the end - what do you think?
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