Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is a poignant novella set during the Great Depression. It tells the story of two displaced ranch workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, who dream of owning their own piece of land. George is small, sharp-witted, and protective, while Lennie is large, strong, and mentally disabled, often getting into trouble due to his lack of understanding and immense strength. The pair finds work on a ranch in California, where they meet various characters, including Candy, an aging handyman; Crooks, a black stable hand; and Curley, the boss's aggressive son, along with his lonely wife. Despite the harsh conditions and challenges they face, George and Lennie's dream of a better future keeps them motivated. However, their plans are shattered when Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife while trying to stroke her hair, not realizing his own strength. Fearing for Lennie's safety and knowing that he cannot control his actions, George makes the heartbreaking decision to kill Lennie mercifully before an angry mob can lynch him.