Paper Summary:

The paper introduces, discusses, and analyzes the books "Of Mice and Men" by John Steinbeck and "The Stranger" by Albert Camus. The paper compares and contrasts the two works with particular emphasis on the main characters, George and Meursault. Both of these books are set in a similar time period, but in very different places. "The Stranger" is set in Algiers, while "Of Mice and Men" is set in California in the 1930s during the Dust Bowl. The paper notes that the characters are also very different. Meursault is an extremely unappealing and unsympathetic character who seems to have little purpose in life, while George is a well-meaning man who is faced with a difficult, even heartbreaking decision. The paper highlights that they are both victims of an unsupportive society, and that this is the commonality that binds them together.

From the Paper:

"It is interesting that people distrust George because of his kindness to Lennie, and they distrust Meursault for his lack of emotions, especially about his mother. During his trial, he is questioned about his relationship with his mother and his reason for putting her into an institution instead of caring for her himself. Camus writes, "Then he asked if the parting hadn't caused me distress. I explained that neither Mother or I expected much of one another - or for that matter, of anybody else" (Camus 109). Thus, the question is raised about his humanity at his trial, and the people find him very lacking in human skills and feelings. Coincidentally, people wonder about George, as well. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• Camus, Albert. The Stranger. New York: Vintage Books, 1946.
• Steinbeck, John. Of Mice and Men. New York: Penguin Books, 1994.

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