Prologue To Of Mice And Men By John Steinbeck

The clearing was quiet, it seemed lifeless. The Salinas River still flowed merrily near the hillside, the water was still warm from the afternoon sun, and still reflected a green hue. On one side of the river, the smooth foothill slopes still curved up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, and the other side was still lined with trees. Willow and sycamore branches still swung gently in the wind, and the leaves still created a green light within the space. It was totally calm and peaceful… but something was wrong; the air seemed heavier, and the sun seemed dimmer, no animals stirred, and everything seemed to be aware of a deep sadness. Nothing moved save for a small group of men standing around an unmoving figure. George stood next to Lennie’s dead body and stared at his face that was still full of joy at the thought of tending the rabbits on the farm that they would have owned together, and said nothing. His face was stony and emotionless when Slim walked tentatively up to him, laid a hand on his shoulder, and gently led George away from the men, neither man saying anything until they reached the ranch. It wasn’t until then that Slim said tentatively, “You had to do it, George, there wasn’t no other choice.” George’s gaze remained fixated on the ground, while he tried to convince …show more content…
As you walk in, it takes a while for your eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. There were tables scattered about the room and only a few men sat here and there, but behind the bar was a grinning woman by the name of Susy. She had the look of someone who had been working too hard for too long, but when she smiled, all the warmth and kindness of someone who was truly happy proved that she wouldn’t have it any other way. Susy had been wiping the bartop down when the two men walked in and served them their drinks with a smile and a joke before returning to polishing the old wood with quiet