The main conflict in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men revolves around the dreams and struggles of two migrant workers, George Milton and Lennie Small, during the Great Depression. The central conflict is the tension between their dream of owning a piece of land and the harsh realities of their lives that make this dream nearly impossible to achieve.
Lennie, who has a mental disability, is dependent on George for guidance and protection. Lennie’s inability to understand his own strength and the consequences of his actions leads to a series of tragic events. The conflict escalates when Lennie accidentally kills Curley’s wife, which forces George to make a heart-wrenching decision to protect Lennie from a violent mob led by Curley.
Ultimately, the conflict is not just between the characters but also between their dreams and the brutal reality of their circumstances. The novel explores themes of friendship, loneliness, and the pursuit of the American Dream, highlighting the struggles of those who are marginalized and powerless in society.