Throughout history and literature, the question of whether man controls his life or if fate decides his future has been brought up many times. In one of the most influential and powerful books of all time, John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men, this concept is explored through the lives of the characters. Through his writing, John Steinbeck reinforces the idea that men do have control of their lives. Through his portrayal of the character George Milton and the character of Curley's wife, Steinbeck proves that only man controls his destiny.

The idea that people have control over their lives is reinforced in the character of George Milton. George is a sharp character with a lot of potential. He is exact, witty, and kind, yet he is a laborer in the Californian fields who makes $50.00 a month. The character of George shows that when life hands you certain gifts...