Summary of Of Mice and Men

"Of Mice and Men," written by John Steinbeck, is a novella set during the Great Depression in the United States. The story follows two displaced ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, who share a dream of owning their own piece of land someday. George is small and sharp-witted, while Lennie is large and strong but has a mental disability that makes him dependent on George for guidance and protection. As they travel to find work on a ranch in California, the duo faces various challenges stemming from Lennie's childlike behavior and strength, which often lead to unintended trouble. Despite their struggles, they remain hopeful for a better future. At the ranch, they meet several characters who exemplify the loneliness and isolation of life during this era, including Candy, an aging handyman; Crooks, a black stable hand who faces racial discrimination; and Curley, the aggressive son of the ranch owner. Curley's flirtatious wife is also a significant character, representing the unfulfilled dreams and isolation of women at the time. The story ultimately takes a tragic turn when Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife in an attempt to silence her after she seeks companionship. This leads to a manhunt for Lennie, forcing George to make a heartbreaking decision to protect his friend from a violent mob. The novella explores themes of friendship, dreams, loneliness, and the harsh realities of life for the disenfranchised during the Great Depression. It raises poignant questions about the nature of dreams and human connection, leading to a powerful and emotional conclusion.