Chapters 1-3: Setting the Stage
Chapter 1 introduces us to the contrasting personalities of our main characters. Lennie is childlike, forgetful, and physically strong, while George is quick-witted, protective, and serves as Lennie's caretaker. They were forced to flee their previous job in Weed after Lennie frightened a girl by touching her dress. The pair share a dream of "livin' off the fatta the lan'" – owning their own farm and being self-sufficient.
In Chapter 2, the duo arrives at the ranch and meets the other workers. George answers questions for Lennie to hide his mental disability, claiming he was kicked by a horse. They encounter Curley, the boss's aggressive son who immediately dislikes Lennie, and his flirtatious wife, whom George immediately recognizes as potential trouble.
Chapter 3 introduces Slim, a respected ranch hand who understands and appreciates George and Lennie's friendship. A significant parallel to later events occurs when Carlson insists on shooting Candy's old, suffering dog. This chapter ends dramatically when Curley picks a fight with Lennie, who crushes Curley's hand after George tells him to fight back.
Think About This: Notice how Steinbeck uses the death of Candy's dog as foreshadowing. What might this suggest about what could happen later in the story?
