Structure

John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men is divided into six parts. Each section presents a different episode. For example, the first section shows George and Lennie in the clearing by the river. The second section then jumps forwards to the next day, when George and Lenny have just arrived at the farm. The events are presented in chronological order. 

There are also a few examples of flashbacks, which mainly happen through the dialogue. For example, George explains to Slim why they had to leave the last place they were working: 

‘Well, he seen this girl in a red dress. Dumb bastard like he is, he wants to touch ever’thing he liks. Just wants to feel it. So he reaches out to feel this red dress an’ the girl lets out a squawk, and that gets Lennie all mixed up, and he ho...