One of the oldest excuses is that the dog ate my homework. Steinbeck actually told us that it happened to him! Of Mice and Men’s first manuscript was reportedly eaten by Toby, the author’s dog. Yes, you read it right. So if so, one ever asks you which of these classic novels had a first draft that was eaten by the author’s dog in 1936? Simply say, “MICE AND MEN”.

Which of these Classic Novels had a first Draft that was Eaten by the Author’s Dog in 1936? All you need to know about this Novel;

Of Mice and Men is a classic novel that many of us probably read in school, and if you haven’t, you should consider reading it. A hallmark of Steinbeck’s work is how he made seemingly insignificant people into much more dynamic and interesting characters. It may surprise you how much you don’t know about the novel regardless of whether you have read it or not! 

Here are some fun facts about the Classic Novels that might compel you to read them. Let’s begin discussing each. We hope that you will thoroughly enjoy these.

Steinbeck’s First draft was Eaten by his Dog.

It would have been impossible for Of Mice and Men to have undergone so many adaptations if the book had not been completed. Steinbeck’s dog, ate the first draft of one of his masterworks, despite the danger apparently averted.

There are Several Fascinating Reasons why the Classic Novel was Challenged.  

The book also received backlash for its questionable patriotism in addition to its sexual scenarios, violence, and strong language. They felt the book had an “anti-business” attitude and so banned it from their summer reading list in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

As a whole, the story has been slammed for its strong language, sexual scenarios, and violence. The Chattanooga Chamber of Commerce was a little more inventive. It pointed out the “anti-business attitude” it found in Steinbeck’s text. Furthermore, establishment figures questioned Steinbeck’s patriotism. 

A Play-Nevelette Of Mice And Men Is Likely The First Play-Novelty. 

As much as prose intrigued Steinbeck, the stage also played an important role in the book. As a theatrical play, Of Mice and Men, consists of three acts. Stage direction is evident in its narration and the dialogue is reminiscent of that of a play. 

This Novella was Chosen early for the Book of the Month Club. 

In the United States, the Book of the Month Club was operating for 88 years between 1926 and 2014. The organization selected Of Mice and Men for distribution before it had even been officially published. 

The Book is one of the most Commonly read texts in American Schools. 

It ranks among the top ten books taught in public, private, and independent high schools, according to the Center for the Learning and Teaching of Literature. 

The Book is also Regarded as one of the most Challenging. 

The popularity of the book has also led to backlash. Among the 100 Most Banned or Challenged Books published by the American Library Association between 2000 and 2009, this novella ranked fifth. 

Steinbeck’s House now Stands as a Landmark.

Steinbeck lived in Monte Sereno, California at 16520 Greenwood Lane from 1936-1938 and you can visit the house where he lived. The building has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1989 because it is where he penned Of Mice and Men and The Grapes of Wrath. If you happen to be in the town of Salinas, you can visit his childhood home while you’re there.

Several Looney Tunes Characters were inspired by Of Mice and Men.

The Abominable Snow Rabbit’s characters, such as an enormous yeti in The Abominable Snow Rabbit, were inspired by Lennie’s story after its release. Who knew that Lennie would inspire this form of storytelling?

As originally Titled, it was more Straightforward.

Something That Happened was the story that Steinbeck intended to release. In 1785, Robert Burns wrote “To a Mouse, on Turning Her Up in Her Nest with the Plough,” which ultimately inspired what we know today as the title.

If there are any other facts you know, let us know in the comment section!