Of Mice and Men Summary

John Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" is a poignant novella about the dreams and struggles of two displaced migrant workers during the Great Depression. George Milton and Lennie Small travel together, with George acting as a caretaker for the intellectually disabled but physically strong Lennie. They dream of owning a piece of land and living independently. They find work on a ranch in California, where they encounter various characters, including the isolated and bitter Curley's wife and the compassionate Slim. Lennie's inability to control his strength leads to a series of tragic events, culminating in the accidental death of Curley's wife. Realizing that Lennie will face a brutal lynching, George makes the heartbreaking decision to mercifully end Lennie's life himself. "Of Mice and Men" explores themes of friendship, loneliness, and the unattainable American Dream, highlighting the harsh realities faced by marginalized individuals in a cruel and indifferent world.