The most significant phrase in chapter one of the novel Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck is “give me that mouse” (Steinbeck 8). The story is centered around two migrant farmers; Lennie, who has a mental illness, and George, who has to put up with Lennie’s nonsense. For instance, Lennie enjoys capturing mice and petting them until they eventually die from the pressure. And although this is seemingly morbid, this process helps Lennie deal with his intense feelings of sadness and loneliness. George, however, does not understand Lennie’s motives, refuses to let Lennie keep any of his dead mice, and demands that the mice are to be thrown into the bushes. These disagreements often lead to arguments and hurt feelings as the conflict between the
