Of Mice And Men Chapter 2 Summary And Analysis

The chapter begins when it is a new day. George and Lennie have now arrived at the ranch. It is Candy who shows them around. Though Candy’s hand is missing, he is still able to clean the areas within the ranch. Candy also gives them a brief description of the master they intend to serve. They are told how the boss exposes the Black American worker in the ranch. For example, a stable buck is given his room and excluded from others.

After that, the boss comes and inquires from George and Lennie why they came late. George blames the driver of the bus they used. The boss also interviews them on the experience they got from their previous place of work. It is George that provides the answers to the questions asked by the boss to prevent Lennie from making things worse. When George is asked why takes such good care of Lennie, he lies that Lennie is his cousin. Moreover, he shields Lennie from any blames by saying that Lennie was knocked by a horse on the head when he was young. Despite the suspicions the boss has, the two are allowed to work and are to be led by Slim.

Candy later learns that the two are not related. However, he vows not to tell anyone. After that, Curley, the son of the boss, arrives. His dressing distinguishes him from the rest of the workers in the ranch. Curley is not happy that it is George that keeps answering all the questions. Curly is a former boxer and likes picking fights with tall people like Lennie.

When the Curley’s wife comes, George warns Lennie of interacting with her. When slim, inquires why the two like working together, George explains that they have worked as a unit for long. George also explains the experiences they have been trough. The reader also learns that Slim’s dog gave birth to puppies when Carlson makes an injury about them. Carlson suggests that one of the puppies should be given to Candy, who has an old dog. Carlson describes Candy’s old dog as smelly and should be shot dead. Lennie, who overhears the conversation, also wants a puppy.

The chapter gives the setting where most of the events in the story take place. At the same time, crucial characters are introduced. The reader can also have an idea of the areas that are likely to put Lennie in trouble. Out of the relations that people have in the ranch, it is George’s and Lennie’s that seems like the strongest bond.