Of Mice and Men

Of Mice and Men

The novel Of Mice and Men is written by John Steinbeck. This novel takes place on a farm in California in the 1930’s. In the beginning of the book two men George and Lennie are let off a bus miles away from the California ranch where they have to work. George who is a small man, with “sharp strong features” (2), is frustrated with his friend Lennie that he has known since they were little. Lennie is a below-average guy, who is strong, and an excellent farm worker, who has a “shapeless face” (2). Lennie looks to George for comfort and support. Lennie likes to hold and pet soft things. But since Lennie is so strong he accidentally ends up killing most of the things he touches. George yells his life would be easier without having to always care for Lennie.

As they arrive towards the ranch, George is scared of what his boss might say about Lennie, so George tells Lennie that he is doing all the talking. George lies to his boss saying that they are cousins and they travel together, he also says that when Lennie was younger he was kicked in the head by a horse.

They meet Candy who is a “swamper” (18). Candy cleans the bunkhouses. Candy lost his hand an accident. He wants to join George and Lennies idea of owning the land. Candy loves his dog. But unfortunately the dog is getting old, so Carlson shoots it in the back