Cats Among the Pigeons

If you've looked up Steinbeck's novel online, as I assume you have, you will already know that this classic of modern English literature is both one of the most often read novels in high schools and also one of the most frequently banned ("Of Mice and Men", 2013). Is it surprising that some of the things that make it great literature are the same things that offend and cause many to hate it?

One of it's strengths is the novel's disturbingly precise presentation of uncomfortable truths about society, deeply offensive truths that some parents don't want their children to know, which therefore prompts them to try to ban the book. One common ground for complaint begins on page 12, when George speaks of "a cat house". The same presentation of prostitution that begins there carries through George's discussions with Whit and then Lennie in chapter 3.

• How is prostitution presented in Of Mice and Men? 
• Do you agree with Steinbeck's presentation?
• Do you think it is accurate? 
• Should prostitution be presented in this way? 
• Is this a reasonable reason for banning the book? 
• Would you support or oppose a ban on this and similar books because of their presentation of topics such as prostitution? 
• Should high school children be set such books for study? 
• Should Thai (Korean) high school students read and study similar material about their society? 
• ?? What related issues would you like to discuss? 

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Reference

Of Mice and Men. (2013, January 27). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 08:01, January 29, 2013, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Of_Mice_and_Men&oldid=535126949

Steinbeck, J., (2006). Of Mice and Men. London: Penguin Books.