Of Mice and Men – Summary
Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in California, “Of Mice and Men” tells the story of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small. George, intelligent but uneducated, acts as a protector and guide to Lennie, a large, strong man with a mental disability. The pair share a dream of owning their own piece of land, where Lennie can tend to soft rabbits, his greatest joy.
The novel begins with George and Lennie arriving at a ranch near Soledad, California, where they’ve secured work. They’re fleeing from their previous job in Weed, where Lennie’s innocent but misunderstood actions led to accusations of attempted rape. At the new ranch, they encounter a cast of characters that represent various facets of Depression-era America: the old, disabled Candy; the isolated and bitter African-American stable hand, Crooks; the pugnacious boss’s son, Curley; and Curley’s lonely, unnamed wife.
As George and Lennie settle into their new jobs, their dream of owning land seems to inch closer to reality when Candy offers to contribute his savings to their cause. However, the fragile hope is constantly threatened by Lennie’s inability to control his strength and his fascination with soft things.
Tension builds as Curley, threatened by Lennie’s size, picks a fight with him. Lennie, reluctant to fight back, eventually crushes Curley’s hand at George’s urging. This incident foreshadows the tragic climax of the novel.
The turning point comes when Lennie, left alone, accidentally kills Curley’s wife while trying to stroke her hair. Recognising the gravity of the situation, George faces an impossible choice. As a lynch mob forms to find Lennie, George locates his friend first. In a heart-wrenching scene, George recites their shared dream one last time before shooting Lennie to spare him a cruel death at the hands of the mob.
The novel ends as it began, by the Salinas River, emphasising the cyclical nature of the characters’ lives and the futility of their dreams in the face of a harsh, unforgiving world.
Key themes:
- The American Dream and its unattainability
- Friendship and loyalty in a harsh world
- Loneliness and isolation
- The struggle between the weak and the strong
- Mental disability and societal attitudes
- The impact of the Great Depression on working-class Americans
Character Details
George Milton
George is a small, quick-witted man who serves as Lennie’s protector and friend. Despite his often sharp tongue and apparent frustration with Lennie’s limitations, George is deeply loyal and committed to their shared dream. He’s intelligent and perceptive, often serving as the voice of reason and the planner of their future. George’s character embodies the struggle between self-interest and loyalty, as he grapples with the responsibility of caring for Lennie while pursuing his own desires. His final act of mercy towards Lennie is both a testament to his love and a tragic acknowledgement of the impossibility of their dream.
Lennie Small
Despite his surname, Lennie is a large, physically powerful man with a child-like mind. He’s defined by his mental disability, immense strength, and love for soft things, which he often accidentally kills due to his inability to control his own power. Lennie is entirely dependent on George, whom he views as a protector and friend. His innocence and lack of understanding of social norms drive much of the novel’s conflict. Lennie represents the vulnerability of the mentally disabled in a society ill-equipped to understand or accommodate them. His dream of tending rabbits on their own farm symbolises his desire for a safe, gentle world that tragically conflicts with his own nature.
Curley’s Wife
Unnamed throughout the novel, Curley’s wife is a complex character who embodies the limited options available to women in 1930s America. Young, attractive and flirtatious, she’s often perceived as a threat by the ranch hands. However, her behaviour stems from deep loneliness and frustration with her isolated life and shattered dreams of becoming an actress. Her interactions with the men are coloured by her status as the boss’s son’s wife and her own desire for attention and connection. Tragically, her attempt to connect with Lennie leads to her death, serving as the catalyst for the novel’s climax.
Candy
Candy is an old, disabled ranch hand who fears being “put out to pasture” when he’s no longer useful. The shooting of his old dog serves as a stark metaphor for the disposability of the old and infirm in their society. Candy briefly finds hope in George and Lennie’s dream, offering his savings to join their venture. His character highlights the precarious position of the elderly and disabled in a world that values youth and physical ability.
Crooks
As the only Black man on the ranch, Crooks faces constant racial discrimination. Isolated in his own quarters, he’s bitter and cynical about the possibility of achieving dreams. His brief interaction with Lennie reveals a deep longing for companionship. Crooks represents the racial prejudices of the time and the psychological toll of systemic discrimination.
Slim
Slim is the skilled mule driver at the ranch, respected by all for his expertise and quiet wisdom. He serves as a moral centre in the novel, offering understanding and support to George. His calm acceptance of George’s final action underscores the harsh realities of their world.
Reader Fit
“Of Mice and Men” would appeal to readers interested in classic American literature, particularly those drawn to stories set during the Great Depression. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy character-driven narratives that explore complex themes such as friendship, dreams and societal issues. The book is often studied in schools, making it valuable for students and educators. Its exploration of timeless human struggles also makes it relevant to adult readers seeking a poignant, thought-provoking story.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Literary Fiction, Great Depression Era
- Publication Year: 1937
- Reading Time Estimate: 3-4 hours (novella length)
- Notable Awards: None specifically for this book, but Steinbeck later won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1962
Related Books
- “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck
- “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
- “East of Eden” by John Steinbeck
Buy the Book
Dive into this powerful exploration of friendship, dreams, and human nature. “Of Mice and Men” offers a window into a pivotal time in American history while addressing universal themes that resonate to this day. Whether you’re a student, a literature enthusiast or simply in search of a moving story, Steinbeck’s novella promises a thought-provoking and emotionally charged reading experience.
Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with one of the most influential works of 20th-century American literature.
