Do you think this is the original version of "Of Mice and Men"?

Question

We were given out this book in school, and I don't think it's the original version. It says on the inside;
"Readers are asked to note that this educational version has been divided into six sections to reflect the structure of the original novel." i.e, it's not the original novel. It also says "Plain Edition" on the front, and I'm not quite sure what it means by that.

Sorry, I know this is a weird question, but I can't stand reading abridged or simplified novels, so if it sounds like it's not the original to you, could you give your opinion? Thanks.

Answer 1

I'm not sure but it is not a very long novel so the chances are that the words are the same but my guess is that they just seperated it into different sections for studying purposes maybe. They may have you read one section at a time and discuss perhaps. I wouldn't think that they would censor or change any of the original text but you could probably get a copy of the book from the library and compare to be sure.

Answer 2

Your public library and/or your local bookstore will certainly have a copy of the original which you can compare to the one you've got.



If your school is teaching from an abridged version, perhaps you could find a sympathetic teacher to help you plead your case before the School Committee that abridged or bowdlerized texts have no place in a classroom?



Good luck!

Answer 3

It does sound like it may not be the complete version. Ask your teacher. He or she would know.