The underlying themes revealed during a reading of `Of Mice and Men' are not exclusively associated with the culture of itinerant workers. They are in fact universal and explore the fundamentals of the human condition. Steinbeck demonstrates this through his novel `Of Mice and Men' portraying a realistic view of the life of an itinerant worker in 1930's America, showing aspects of the human condition that are either grounded in the social context or are external and universal.

The novel is based in `Soledad', a town in California that exists in reality. The historical significance of this town suggests that Steinbeck is writing on real truths, allowing readers to suspend their disbelief and therefore further understand the moral messages behind his novel. Through the `whitewashed' and `unpainted' world of the itinerant worker, Steinbeck provides an ideal setting to convey his lessons. The world and life of the itinerant...