Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a classic piece of American literature that tells the story of two migrant workers, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. The book is set in California, where George and Lennie are headed to work on a ranch. The book explores the themes of loneliness, the American Dream, and the relationship between man and nature.

In chapter one, we are introduced to George and Lennie, who are walking together along a path. George is a small, wiry man with sharp features, while Lennie is a large, simple-minded man with immense strength. The two men are best friends, with George acting as Lennie's protector and caregiver. They are on their way to a ranch where they have been hired to work as laborers.

In chapter two, George and Lennie arrive at the ranch and meet the other workers. We are introduced to characters such as Candy, the old swamper, and Curley, the boss's aggressive son. We also meet Curley's wife, who is presented as a flirtatious and dangerous character. The chapter ends with George and Lennie settling into their new jobs.

In chapter three, we see the friendship between George and Lennie develop further. George confides in Slim, one of the ranch hands, about the incident that led to them leaving their previous job. We also see the desire for companionship and the American Dream embodied in Candy, who offers to contribute money to buy a piece of land where they can live and work for themselves.

In chapter four, the focus shifts to Crooks, the African American stable hand. We see the discrimination he faces and the loneliness that comes with being the only black man on the ranch. Lennie, who is unaware of the racial divide, seeks out Crooks for companionship. The chapter ends with Curley's wife entering the barn and threatening Crooks.

In chapter five, we see Lennie and George's dream of owning a farm and living off the land become more real. They discuss their plans with Candy, who is eager to contribute to the purchase of the land. However, their dream is shattered when Curley's wife enters the barn and begins talking to Lennie. When she tries to get him to stroke her hair, he panics and accidentally breaks her neck.

In chapter six, the book reaches its tragic conclusion. George realizes that Lennie will be hunted down and killed for what he has done. In a heartbreaking scene, George decides to take action himself and shoots Lennie in the back of the head. The book ends with George and Candy reflecting on the dream of owning a farm and the loneliness that comes with the migrant worker lifestyle.

Overall, Of Mice and Men is a powerful story of friendship, loneliness, and the American Dream. Steinbeck's writing captures the harsh realities of life during the Great Depression and the struggles faced by migrant workers. The book is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.