Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck tells the story of two displaced ranch workers, George and Lennie, struggling to survive during the Great Depression. Bound by loyalty and a shared dream of owning land, they try to carve out dignity in a world built on exploitation, loneliness, and hierarchy.

Lennie’s childlike innocence and uncontrollable strength repeatedly put them in danger, while George carries the burden of protecting him in a society that has no place for the weak. As their dream briefly feels within reach, a tragic mistake destroys everything. In the end, the story confronts a brutal truth: in a harsh, predatory world, even genuine friendship and hope are not enough to survive.