Of Mice and Men & Cannery Row (1973) Parents Guide: Is the book OK for kids?

In 'Cannery Row,' Dora Flood’s bordello, the Bear Flag, is a central setting where the women are portrayed as members of the community, though explicit sexual activity is not described. The narrative treats the business with a matter-of-fact tone, focusing on the social role of the women rather than lascivious details. Curley’s wife in 'Of Mice and Men' is described as 'jailbait' and behaves in a flirtatious manner, which leads to tragic tension throughout the ranch scenes. Her presence is a source of anxiety for…

The violence is sparse but significant, most notably in the climax of 'Of Mice and Men' involving the accidental killing of a woman and the subsequent mercy killing of a man. George makes the harrowing decision to shoot Lennie in the back of the head to prevent him from being lynched. Earlier, Candy’s old dog is shot as an act of utility, foreshadowing the ending. In 'Cannery Row,' there is an aggressive bar fight and the general rough-and-tumble life of the residents, including the accidental destruction of Doc's…

The language reflects the 1930s labor setting, featuring periodic use of mid-century period profanity including 'damn' and 'hell.' George frequently uses these terms in his exasperated outbursts toward Lennie. Racial slurs are used by characters in 'Of Mice and Men' to demean the stable buck, Crooks, reflecting the historical racism of the American West during the Great Depression. This usage is not glorified but serves as a realistic depiction of the era's prejudice and the hierarchy of power on the ranch. In…

Drinking and the influence of alcohol are common themes throughout both novels, often serving as a coping mechanism for the characters. In 'Cannery Row,' parties frequently involve significant alcohol consumption, including the procurement of 'Old Tennis Shoes' whiskey, often resulting in rowdy behavior or property damage. The search for alcohol is a primary motivator for Mack and the boys, leading to several comedic yet chaotic sequences. In 'Of Mice and Men,' the ranch hands visit the local brothel/saloon in…

These books explore the harsh realities of the Great Depression, the isolation of poverty, and the longing for human connection. 'Of Mice and Men' is particularly noted for its sensitive, albeit dated, depiction of intellectual disability through the character of Lennie Small. The themes center on the struggle to maintain dignity in a society that ignores the needs of the vulnerable. In 'Cannery Row,' the narrative explores the unconventional community of Monterey, focusing on characters like Mack and Doc who live…