Of Mice and Men

Main Plot

Of Mice and Men follows the journey of two displaced ranch workers, George and Lennie, during the Great Depression. George is a sharp-witted man who looks after Lennie, a physically strong but mentally challenged individual with a childlike demeanor. The duo dreams of owning their own piece of land, a vision that provides them with hope amidst their harsh reality. As they find work on a ranch, they encounter various characters, each with their own struggles and dreams. Tensions rise as Lennie's inability to control his strength leads to unforeseen consequences, testing the bond between the two men. The story explores themes of friendship, loneliness, and the pursuit of the American Dream, ultimately highlighting the fragility of dreams in the face of harsh societal realities.

Characters

• John Malkovich played Lennie Small, a mentally disabled but physically strong man whose actions inadvertently lead to tragedy, highlighting themes of friendship and dreams.
• Gary Sinise portrayed George Milton, a protective and pragmatic caretaker, guiding his friend Lennie through the challenges of the Great Depression while dreaming of a better future.
• Ray Walston played Candy, an aging ranch hand who dreams of a better future and forms a bond with George and Lennie, sharing their aspirations for owning land.

Ending Explained

At the end of Of Mice and Men, George faces an agonizing decision as he grapples with the reality of their situation. After Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife, the ranch workers form a lynch mob, intent on seeking revenge. Understanding that Lennie cannot comprehend the consequences of his actions and fearing for his friend’s life, George takes it upon himself to protect Lennie from a brutal fate. In a poignant final scene, George finds Lennie hiding by the riverbank, where they often dreamt of their future together. As George recounts their shared vision of owning a piece of land, he distracts Lennie, allowing him to envision a better life. In a heartbreaking moment, George makes the choice to end Lennie’s life himself, believing it to be a merciful act. He shoots Lennie in the back of the head, sparing him from the mob's violence and ensuring he dies peacefully, lost in dreams of their future. This ending resolves the central conflict of friendship versus survival, highlighting the tragic nature of their dreams in a harsh world. It underscores themes of loneliness, the fragility of dreams, and the moral complexities of love and sacrifice, leaving a lasting impact on the narrative.