Of Mice and Men Summary

"The best laid schemes of mice and men often go awry, leaving us only grief and pain instead of promised joy." — Robert Burns. What happens when dreams clash with reality?

1: The Bond Between Lennie and George

At the heart of Of Mice and Men is the profound relationship between Lennie Small and George Milton. Lennie, a massive man with a childlike mind, depends on George for almost everything—his survival, decisions, and even his dreams. George, despite his nagging exasperation with Lennie’s constant mistakes, treasures the companionship and loyalty Lennie offers. Their connection stands out as a rare and deeply human bond during an isolating period in history.

George and Lennie’s relationship is an interdependence founded on trust and care. Lennie’s physical strength makes him a valuable worker, while George’s intellect and quick thinking shield Lennie from harm. Though George’s tone is often curt with Lennie, it stems from deep affection, evident in moments when George comforts him by retelling their shared dream of owning a farm. The dynamic between them highlights humanity’s yearning for connection amidst harsh circumstances.

This companionship offers respite from a bleak and lonely world, but it comes with immense responsibility, especially for George. Lennie’s actions, often driven by misunderstanding and his inability to control his power, put them in constant peril. Yet, George’s care for Lennie reflects loyalty and compassion that few others display in the story. Their bond reminds us of the sacrifices we make for the ones we love.

Examples

• Lennie clings to George’s storytelling of their dream farm to find hope in their dire reality.
• George looks out for Lennie, ensuring his safety after incidents like the one in Weed, where Lennie’s unintended actions spark trouble.
• Despite his frustration, George forgives Lennie for small blunders, such as carrying along a dead mouse for comfort.

2: Dreams as Symbols of Hope

The vision of a self-sufficient farm represents more than a simple escape for Lennie and George; it’s their beacon of hope in an otherwise harsh existence. This dream invokes the broader American Dream—a promise of opportunity, autonomy, and prosperity. For characters like Candy and Crooks, the farm becomes an emblem of possibility, however unlikely.

Through George’s reassuring narration of their dream, Steinbeck shows how aspirations sustain people even during despairing times. The dream feels so close that all members (Lennie, George, Candy, and even Crooks) believe in it, despite the obstacles lying ahead. This collective hope—of a life where they make their own choices—resonates deeply with the reader and encapsulates human yearning.

However, Steinbeck’s portrayal is bittersweet, as the story shatters this hopeful vision. The great irony is that while the dream kept George and Lennie going, fate ensured its impossibility. Their plan to achieve happiness collapses, highlighting a cruel disparity between desire and reality.

Examples

• Lennie’s excitement at hearing about the rabbits mirrors his belief that their dream is achievable.
• Candy offers his life savings to join George and Lennie, expressing a desire to escape his deteriorating usefulness at the ranch.
• Even skeptical Crooks momentarily dares to hope when he hears how close they are to owning the farm.

3: The Fragility of Life

One of the book's recurring themes is how fragile life can be. Through moments of unintentional destruction, Steinbeck builds a sense of unease and tragedy. Lennie, despite his gentle intentions, inadvertently harms the very beings he wants to protect. From mice to puppies to Curley’s wife, Lennie’s strength is both his gift and his curse.

Lennie’s innocence and lack of self-awareness underline the precariousness of existence. The animals Lennie loves to pet symbolize lives so easily snuffed out by forces larger than themselves. Lennie’s own life follows a parallel trajectory, showing how powerless he is in a world that doesn’t understand him or make space for his kind-hearted nature.

Beyond Lennie’s actions, other characters are victims of life’s fragility too. Candy’s dog is put down as a mercy killing, highlighting the perceived worthlessness of the old or weak. Steinbeck weaves a brutal but realistic portrayal of life in unforgiving circumstances.

Examples

• Lennie accidentally kills a mouse by petting it too roughly, despite intending to comfort it.
• Curley’s wife, seeking connection, meets her death as a result of Lennie’s overwhelming strength.
• Candy’s dog is euthanized because it is considered a burden, much to Candy’s silent heartache.

4: Loneliness in the Great Depression

The novel paints a bleak picture of ranch life during the Great Depression, emphasizing isolation and loneliness. Steinbeck sketches out how this loneliness affects each character. Despite being surrounded by fellow workers, the men struggle with feelings of alienation and insignificance.

George and Lennie’s friendship is the exception in this lonely setting. Their camaraderie contrasts with the solitary lives of characters like Candy and Crooks, who yearn for belonging but face barriers. Curley’s wife, restricted by her possessive husband, epitomizes loneliness in her pleas for attention.

This theme is amplified by the transient nature of ranch life, where workers rarely form lasting relationships. Even hope, represented by the dream farm, briefly unites these isolated individuals before reality pulls them apart.

Examples

• Candy’s fear of being discarded like his old dog reflects the isolation of aging workers.
• Crooks confides how racial prejudice keeps him ostracized, leaving him to find solace in books.
• Curley’s wife’s attempts to interact with the ranchers show her deep-seated loneliness.

5: Power and Its Complexities

The book dives into different representations of power—physical, intellectual, and societal. Lennie possesses immense physical strength but remains one of the most vulnerable characters due to his mental disability. George wields intellectual power but struggles to protect Lennie from harm.

Curley plays another card of power: the privilege of his status as the boss’s son. His aggressiveness and arrogance are often a façade for his insecurity. In contrast, Slim naturally holds authority through respect rather than intimidation. These dynamics create tensions between characters, showing how individuals navigate power to survive or assert control.

Power dynamics also play out tragically in scenes like Lennie crushing Curley’s hand—a clash of physical might versus entitlement. Yet the greatest power comes from societal structures, which dictate the fates of Lennie and others, limiting their opportunities for happiness.

Examples

• Lennie’s strength causes unintended harm to both animals and people, isolating him further.
• Curley abuses his privilege to antagonize the ranch workers, often targeting Lennie due to his size.
• Slim’s respectful demeanor commands admiration, making him a leader among the workers.

6: Mercy and Tough Decisions

Mercy killings are a significant theme explored both subtly and directly. When Candy’s dog is shot due to its perceived uselessness, it foreshadows George’s decision at the story's end. These moments force characters to make difficult moral choices, especially in a harsh environment where compassion often conflicts with survival.

Steinbeck incorporates this theme to challenge readers: Is killing an act of mercy when suffering can be avoided? And who holds the right to make such a choice? George’s ultimate act of mercy highlights his deep love for Lennie, even as it leaves him emotionally shattered.

Whether one believes George’s decision was justified or not, it stands as a heartbreaking moment that speaks to sacrifices made in dire circumstances.

Examples

• Carlson shoots Candy’s dog, claiming it’s too old to live any longer in misery.
• Lennie accidentally kills his puppy, lamenting his unintentional destruction.
• George shoots Lennie to prevent a brutal mob from taking vengeance.

Takeaways

1. Build meaningful and supportive relationships with others, especially during challenging times.
2. Set goals or create visions that provide hope but remain grounded to adapt when reality shifts.
3. Reflect on power dynamics in your daily life and ensure decisions regarding others are guided by empathy and compassion.