Chapter 1 Overview.

The opening of this chapter specifically describes the setting of the area. Down in the Salinas Valley, where the river drops down by a hillside forming a pond-like body of water. Then George and Lennie are first introduced. They are alone, nothing but animals are around them. George gets upset with Lennie a few times during this part of the story. First, Lennie forgets where they're going, even though George has told him many times. Then Lennie tries to hide a dead mouse in his pocket, because he liked to pet its fur. Then later on Lennie keeps talking about eating his beans with ketchup, even though they did not have any. When George finally snaps at Lennie, he threatens to live alone in caves. George knew he wouldn't be able to survive on his own so George convinced him to stay. Then Lennie has George describe their "dream" of owning their own land and having Lennie tend rabbits before they went to sleep. Lennie loved this story just like how a little child would like a story.

I believe George doesn't fully understand Lennie's issue. This took place back in the Great Depression, where disabilities were ignored. It is clear that Lennie had a mental issue; he was a fully grown man with the brain of a 6 year old boy. I think this is the only reason why George gets angry with Lennie. If they were in a more modern/understanding time, George would definitely be more patient wit him. If I were in George's situation, I would feel pretty lonely with only Lennie around. It would feel a lot less lonely with somebody normal around, but having to be with a special needs individual would make me feel like there's nobody else who can understand you or what you're going through.

While snapping at Lennie, George also mentions how his life would be so much easier if he didn't have to look after him. Lennie might of have been dumb, but he most likely had his feelings hurt by what George said. o when he threatened to leave there is a good chance he might of been serious. However, it may be that neither of them wanted to be alone. The two men were already on their own, they had no one but each other. This is why I believe Lennie didn't leave George, and George didn't want Lennie to leave. Though Lennie gave George a rough time, there was still that bond they had, George actually cared about Lennie.