Of Mice and Men: A Classic Must Read by Bobbi

Of Mice and Men: A Classic Must Read by Bobbi - February 2015 Scholarship Essay

Varsity Tutors Scholarship Essay Submission:
Name one book that all high school students should read before they graduate. Why did you choose this book?

Of Mice and Men: A Classic Must Read

One book that all high school students should read before they graduate is John Steinbeck’s book, Of Mice and Men. Of Mice and Men should be read for countless reasons. Some of the reason that make this book a must read are; John Steinbeck is a Nobel Prize winning author, the book reads exceptionally well, it serves as a lesson guide that can (or should be) identified with, and this book is simply a great historical snapshot of the time in which it is set.

John Steinbeck’s works, not just Of Mice and Men, are often referred to as classics and polarizing reads. They often involve characters that are common and identifiable by the average person. The pieces of literature he writes are engaging and thought provoking, which necessitate reading. Once one has delved into Steinbeck’s work it is no mystery why he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. All high school students should read at least one book from a Nobel Prize winner so as to experience the pinnacle in writing and to know what outstanding literature feels like.

As with most of Steinbeck’s work, Of Mice and Men, reads extremely well. The manner in which it is written is entertaining, plainly understood, and easily grasped, all while helping the reader vividly explore Steinbeck’s world. This book allows the reader to quickly understand the main characters, both their strengths and shortcomings. If it were not for Steinbeck’s ability to make the reader completely understand all facets of Lenny and George, the ending would lose meaning, as would the entire story. By understanding the characters and the historical setting in which Steinbeck places them, the reader is engulfed in the lesson learned by George. George painfully learns that he must “take care of his own” for the good of Lenny as well as the society they are in. The way Of Mice and Men is written, allows the reader to identify with George and learn that valuable lesson with him.

If a high school student, or anyone else for that matter, had no other reason to read this book other than the depiction of the era in which the book is set, it would be justification enough. The illustration by Steinbeck of the epic era in American history known as the Great Depression is brilliant and genuine and creates an authentic image of the times. Having the ability to read an entertaining work of literature, while being immersed in such a real setting, is a valuable history lesson for all those that choose to partake. Much can be gained from reading what life was like for an average person in this era and being able to recognize the impacts it had on individuals as well as the Country as a whole. Steinbeck does an astounding job of appropriately depicting the era and creating a way for his readers to be engaged with it. This on its own is a reason this book should be read.

John Steinbeck is a true author that captures the heart of reality and the attention of the reader. In looking at all the reasons described as to why his book, Of Mice and Men should be read by all high school students before they graduate, it is noted that they can simply be summed up in one notion. This notion is that this book is, and continues to be, an American classic. That reason alone is justification to deem it a necessary read. I chose this book because it does depict all the things a true classic encompasses; depth, honesty, entertainment, and a resonating lesson. I read Of Mice and Men in high school and it has stayed with me from then on. I, to this day, recommend it to all those who have not had the pleasure of picking of this particular masterpiece of Steinbeck’s, so that they may too, enjoy and glean all I did from it.