1.

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck:

Plot:
"The Grapes of Wrath" is set during the Great Depression and follows the Joad family as
they migrate from the Dust Bowl of Oklahoma to California in search of a better life. The
novel explores the economic hardships, social injustices, and the human spirit's resilience
in the face of adversity.

Characters:
​ Tom Joad: The protagonist, recently released from prison, and the novel's moral
center.
​ Ma Joad: The strong and nurturing matriarch of the Joad family.
​ Jim Casy: A former preacher who joins the Joads on their journey and becomes a
spiritual guide.
​ Rose of Sharon: Tom's pregnant sister, symbolizing hope and endurance.

Themes:
​ The Struggle for Survival: The novel depicts the harsh realities of poverty and the
Joad family's fight for survival.
​ Social Injustice: Steinbeck addresses issues of exploitation and inequality faced
by migrant workers.
​ Humanity and Solidarity: Despite adversity, the characters display resilience,
compassion, and a sense of communal solidarity.

2. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Plot:

The novella opens with George and Lennie traveling together to find work during the Great
Depression. George is a small, wiry man with a sharp mind, and Lennie is a large, mentally
disabled man with a childlike innocence. They share a dream of owning a piece of land
where they can live independently and sustain themselves. The plot unfolds as they arrive
at a ranch to work and face various challenges.

The ranch is filled with a diverse group of characters, including Candy, an old swamper
with a missing hand; Curley, the boss's aggressive son; Curley's neglected and lonely wife;
Slim, a skilled mule driver and the only character who truly understands the friendship
between George and Lennie; and others who represent the struggles of the time.

Tragedy strikes when Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife, leading to a heartbreaking and
inevitable conclusion.

Characters:

​ George Milton: The protagonist, a quick-witted and responsible man who looks after
Lennie. He dreams of a better life for both of them.
 ​ Lennie Small: George's companion, a physically strong but mentally disabled man
with a deep love for soft things. His innocence leads to unintentional trouble.
​ Curley: The boss's son, small and aggressive, who constantly tries to prove himself.
His confrontational nature creates tension on the ranch.
​ Curley's Wife: A lonely woman who dreams of a better life. Misunderstood by the
ranch workers, she becomes a tragic figure in the story.
​ Slim: A skilled mule driver and a respected figure on the ranch. He understands
George and Lennie's friendship and serves as a moral authority.
​ Candy: An old swamper with a missing hand, who fears being useless. He is drawn
to George and Lennie's dream of a better life.

Themes:

​ The American Dream: The novella explores the theme of the American Dream and
the pursuit of a better life. George and Lennie's dream of owning a piece of land
becomes a symbol of hope and escape from the harsh realities of the Great
Depression.
​ Loneliness and Isolation: Many characters experience loneliness and isolation,
symbolized by Curley's wife, Candy, and Crooks. Despite being surrounded by
others, these characters struggle with a sense of isolation.
​ Friendship and Companionship: The strong bond between George and Lennie is
central to the story. Their friendship becomes a source of comfort and protection in
a world filled with loneliness and hardship.
​ Social Injustice: The novella highlights the social injustices prevalent during the
Great Depression, including the mistreatment of itinerant workers and the struggles
faced by marginalized individuals like Curley's wife and Crooks.
​ The Cycle of Life and Death: The novella explores the cyclical nature of life,
emphasizing the inevitability of death and the difficulty of breaking free from
societal expectations and challenges.

3. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee:

Plot:
Set in the racially charged atmosphere of the American South during the 1930s, the novel
is narrated by Scout Finch, a young girl. Her father, Atticus Finch, defends Tom Robinson,
a black man falsely accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell.

Characters:
​ Scout Finch: The young narrator and daughter of Atticus Finch.
​ Atticus Finch: A principled lawyer defending Tom Robinson.
​ Boo Radley: A reclusive neighbor who becomes a symbol of misunderstood
innocence.
​ Calpurnia: The Finch family's housekeeper and a mother figure to Scout and Jem.

Themes:
​ Racial Injustice: The novel confronts the deep-rooted racism and injustice
prevalent in the Southern United States.
​ Moral Growth: Scout and her brother Jem experience moral growth as they
witness their father's principled stand and the trial's aftermath.
​ Empathy and Understanding: Atticus teaches his children the importance of
empathy and understanding, even in the face of prejudice.