A Quote From Of Mice And Men
"The best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew" is a quote from John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men". This quote is often used to describe the unpredictability of life and how even the best plans can go wrong. In this article, we will analyze and interpret the meaning of this quote and its significance in the novel.
Context
"Of Mice and Men" is a novel set during the Great Depression and tells the story of two migrant workers, George and Lennie, who dream of owning their own farm. The quote "The best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew" is spoken by the character Robert Burns in the poem "To a Mouse". The character Lennie, who has a mental disability, often quotes this poem to George, and the quote becomes a recurring motif throughout the novel.
Meaning
The meaning of the quote is that even the best-laid plans can go wrong, no matter how carefully they are made. This idea is reflected in George and Lennie's dream of owning their own farm. They plan and save and hope, but in the end, their dream is shattered by circumstances beyond their control. The quote suggests that life is unpredictable and that no matter how hard we plan, things can still go wrong.
Significance
The quote "The best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew" is significant in "Of Mice and Men" because it foreshadows the tragic ending of the novel. George and Lennie's dream is shattered when Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife and is forced to flee. George is left with no choice but to kill Lennie himself to spare him a more painful death at the hands of Curley. The quote suggests that no matter how hard George and Lennie tried to achieve their dream, it was always destined to fail.
Interpretation
The quote "The best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew" can be interpreted in many ways. One interpretation is that it suggests the futility of human ambition. No matter how hard we plan and strive, we are ultimately at the mercy of fate. Another interpretation is that it suggests the importance of adaptability. When our plans go awry, we must be able to adapt to new circumstances and find a way to move forward.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the quote "The best laid schemes of mice and men go often askew" is a powerful and memorable line from John Steinbeck's novel "Of Mice and Men". Its meaning and significance are deeply rooted in the themes of the novel and reflect the unpredictability of life. Its interpretation is open to debate and can be applied to many different situations. Overall, this quote serves as a reminder that even the best-laid plans can go wrong and that we must be prepared to adapt and overcome adversity.
