Why did John Steinbeck called his book Of Mice and Men?

The title "Of Mice and Men" comes from a Robert Burns poem called "To a Mouse" which includes the line "The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men/Gang aft agley." This line is often interpreted to mean that even the best plans can go wrong, which is a key theme in Steinbeck's novel.

Here's why the title is fitting:

* The Hopes and Dreams of the Characters: The characters in the novel, particularly George and Lennie, have dreams of a better future. They dream of owning their own land and living a peaceful life, but their plans are constantly thwarted by circumstance and their own limitations.

* The Unpredictability of Life: The novel is filled with instances where events take unexpected turns, leading to tragic consequences. This echoes the sentiment of Burns's poem that even the best-laid plans can go awry.

* The Limitations of Humanity: Steinbeck uses the analogy of mice and men to highlight the shared vulnerability of all living beings. Both mice and men are subject to the whims of fate, and both are ultimately limited by their circumstances.

The title, therefore, serves as a reminder of the fragility of hope and the capricious nature of life, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.