Of Mice and Men: Chapter 1 Summary

Prior Information:  George and Lenny, the story's main characters, are two vagabond farm hands traveling Califorina's vegetable fields looking for work.  They are coming from a previous job in Weed, Califorina, about 400 miles north of where the book starts.  They had to leave that job suddenly when Lenny got into trouble with the locals for feeling the dress of a woman.  They've been dropped off by the bus driver "jes' a little stretch down the highway" from the ranch, where they stop at a pleasnt clearing by the side of the Sailnas River for the night.

This chapter explains where George and Lenny are comming from, where they're going and the dream they both share.

some key points

- George and Lenny are coming from a previous job in Weed, Califorina

- They are stopping at the side of the road for the night because of their long walk, and just because George wants a peaceful night under the stars.

- Although George loves and cares for Lenny, Lenny annoys him to the point of anger often.

- Lenny likes to pet things, like the dead mouse he picked up from the side of the road.

- George and Lenny's dream is to buy their own farm with a house and rabbits "an' live of the fatta the lan'"

- George warns Lenny that if he gets into any trouble he won't be able to tend the rabbits.

- George also tells Lenny that if he does get in truble that he should come back to this spot on the river and wait for him.

Of Mice and Men: Chapter 2 Summary