Summary of Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck | Class 11 Optional English

Summary of Of Mice and Men

'Of Mice and Men', a novel by the famous American author John Steinbeck, was written in 1937. Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression in 1930s America, the novel portrays the friendship, struggles, and dreams of two migrant workers, George and Lennie. They dream of buying their own land and living independently, but their aspirations collide with harsh societal realities such as poverty, inequality, mental disability, and loneliness. Steinbeck’s work explores human emotions, the significance of relationships, and the neglect endured by marginalized individuals. Ultimately, it tells a story of hope and despair for ordinary people clinging to fragile dreams.

George, though small in stature, is responsible and clever, while Lennie, despite being physically strong, is mentally weak. Lennie relies on George for everything and loves touching soft things. George and Lennie are heading to work at a farm in Soledad, California. They get off the bus far away and stop by a riverbank to spend the night. Lennie carries a dead mouse, which George angrily throws away, fearing Lennie might get sick. George complains that Lennie makes his life difficult, but their friendship runs deep. George tells Lennie their dream story—about land, farming, and rabbits—which makes Lennie happy.

The next day, they reach the farm. In front of the boss, George speaks for Lennie to avoid any mistakes. George lies, saying Lennie is his cousin and was kicked in the head by a horse as a child. They get work on the farm, where they meet Candy, an old worker missing one hand, and Curley, the boss’s temperamental and suspicious son, who recently got married. Curley’s wife roams the farm, flirting with everyone. Lennie calls her "pretty," but George warns him to stay away. Slim, another worker, finds George and Lennie’s friendship unusual. Another worker, Carlson, suggests killing Candy’s old dog.

George tells Slim the truth—that Lennie isn’t his cousin but a childhood friend. He also reveals that Lennie caused trouble at their last job by trying to touch a woman’s dress, forcing them to flee. Slim gives Lennie a puppy from his dog’s litter. Carlson kills Candy’s dog, leaving Candy heartbroken. Candy overhears George and Lennie’s dream of buying land and offers his savings to join them. The three agree to keep their plan secret.

Curley, suspicious of his wife, tries to pick a fight with Slim. Later, he confronts Lennie and starts a fight. Lennie breaks Curley’s hand. Slim warns Curley that if he gets George and Lennie fired, everyone will mock him. That night, many workers go to a nearby brothel for fun, leaving Lennie, Candy, and Crooks behind. Curley’s wife flirts with them and notices the bruises on Lennie’s face, guessing he injured Curley’s hand.

The next day, Lennie accidentally kills his puppy. Curley’s wife tries to console him, sharing her unhappiness with Curley and her dream of becoming a film star. Lennie mentions his love for soft things, and she lets him touch her hair. He grabs too hard, she screams, and, in fear, Lennie breaks her neck. Terrified, Lennie flees and hides by the riverbank, where George had told him to go if in trouble.

The farm discovers Curley’s wife’s death and begins searching for Lennie. George finds him. Lennie is scared, but George isn’t angry. He tells Lennie their dream story again—about land, farming, and rabbits. As the others approach, George shoots Lennie from behind, knowing the mob would kill him cruelly. When the others arrive, George claims Lennie took the gun and was shot in self-defense. Slim understands George’s pain and comforts him as they walk away.