"Gang aft agley" is Scots dialect for "Often go awry." In modern English, the line is saying that the best laid schemes (plans) of mice and men often go wrong.
The line from the poem: "To a Mouse" by Robert Burns served as he inspiration for the title, and is often translated into English as: "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry (or astray)." However, the original Burns Scottish is: "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft Agley
The title is taken from Robert Burns' poem "To a Mouse", which read: "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley." (The best laid schemes of mice and men / Often go awry.)
Steinbeck used the title from Robert Burn's poem "To a Mouse". He used 'Of Mice and Men' from the lines: "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley," meaning, the best laid scheme of mice and men often go awry. George and Lenny had a plan to live a better life and 'live off the fatta' the land' by going to a new ranch and saving as much money as possible. But due to unforeseen events throughout the novel, their "plans go awry".
A notable quote from Robert Burns' poem "To a Mouse" is: "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley." This line reflects the theme of unexpected consequences and the fragility of plans, emphasizing that both humans and animals face uncertainties in life. It highlights the shared vulnerability between creatures, serving as a poignant reminder of the unpredictability of existence.
It's from the poem To a Mouse by Robert Burns:But, Mousie, thou art no thy laneIn proving foresight may be vain:The best laid schemes o' mice an' menGang aft a-gley,An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain,For promised joy.
The line "The best laid schemes o' Mice an' Men gang aft agley" comes from the Robert Burns poem "To a Mouse," written in 1785. The phrase is often used to illustrate how even the most carefully made plans can go awry due to unforeseen circumstances.
It was written because he was inspired by the people and life he had on a ranch when he was around during the Depression in America. It reflects the life of people and how there was very little hope in the country for them.
The Saint - 1962 The Best Laid Schemes 6-1 is rated/received certificates of: UK:PG (video rating) (2005)
Joe Forrester - 1975 The Best Laid Schemes 1-10 was released on: USA: 9 December 1975
A poem by Robert Burns, "To a Mouse." "But Mousie, thou art no thy lane, In proving foresight may be vain: The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley, An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain, For promis'd joy!" (Scottish) (Translated to English) "But Mouse, you are not alone, In proving foresight may be vain: The best laid schemes of mice and men Go often askew, And leaves us nothing but grief and pain, For promised joy!" Verse 7 is what inspired him.
From "To a Mouse", one of Burns' best known and best loved poems, first published in the Kilmarnock edition of his works."The best laid schemes o' mice and menGang aft a' gley"These lines were the inspiration for the title of John Steinbeck's 1937 novella, "of Mice and men."
After a poem by another author called "To a Mouse" written in 1785 by Robert Burns, a Scottish poet. The line is taken from the second to last stanza. But, Mousie, thou art no thy lane, In proving foresight may be vain; 
The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft agley, 40 
An' lea'e us nought but grief an' pain, For promis'd joy!