The Best Laid Plans Of Mice And Men Quote
The phrase "The best laid plans of mice and men" comes from a poem by Robert Burns called "To a Mouse." It means that even if you plan carefully, things can still go wrong. This phrase has become famous because of its use in John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men."
Background of "Of Mice and Men"
"Of Mice and Men" is a novel by John Steinbeck that was published in 1937. It tells the story of two migrant workers named George and Lennie who are trying to make a living during the Great Depression. George is small and smart, while Lennie is large and mentally disabled. They dream of owning a farm together someday, but their plans are derailed when Lennie accidentally kills a woman and they have to flee.
The Quote in "Of Mice and Men"
The quote "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry" appears in the novel when George and Lennie are discussing their dream of owning a farm. George tells Lennie that many people have dreams but they never come true because something always goes wrong. He says that even if they do manage to get their own farm, something could come along and ruin it.
Interpretation of the Quote
The quote "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry" is a commentary on the fragility of human dreams and aspirations. It suggests that no matter how carefully we plan, there is always a chance that something will go wrong and our plans will fail. This can be applied to many areas of life, from personal relationships to business ventures.
However, the quote also has a deeper meaning in the context of "Of Mice and Men." The novel is a critique of the American Dream, which promised that anyone who worked hard enough could achieve success and happiness. George and Lennie's dream of owning a farm represents this ideal, but their failure to achieve it shows that the American Dream is often just an illusion.
Other Uses of the Quote
The quote "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry" has become a popular saying that is used in many different contexts. It is often used to describe situations where things don't go according to plan, or where unexpected events derail our efforts. It has been used in movies, TV shows, books, and even political speeches.
Conclusion
"The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry" is a famous quote that has become part of popular culture. It originated in a poem by Robert Burns, but it is most famous for its use in John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men." The quote suggests that no matter how carefully we plan, there is always a chance that something will go wrong and our plans will fail. It is a reminder that human dreams and aspirations are fragile, and that we should be prepared to adapt and change our plans when things don't go according to plan.