Summary

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck opens with a description of a beautiful clearing. Two men, Lennie and George, arrive. It becomes clear that Lennie has an intellectual disability and that George takes care of him. The men are travelling to work on a nearby ranch, but they have a dream of owning a piece of land and growing their own food in peace. 

They reach the ranch the next day, where they meet an older man, Candy. They also meet the boss’ son, Curley, who immediately dislikes Lennie and threatens him. Curley has a pretty, flirtatious wife. 

One of the other men, Slim, gives Lennie a puppy. George explains to Slim that they had to leave the last place they worked because Lennie stroked a girl’s dress and then got confused and wouldn’t let go. The girl accused him of rape and George and Lennie had to ...