Der bärenstarke, aber geistig zurückgebliebene Lennie zieht mit George durchs Land, um sich als Erntehelfer eine paar Dollar zu verdienen. Ihr grosser Traum ist es, sich auf einer eigenen Farm zur Ruhe zu setzen und Kaninchen zu züchten. Doch Lennies Bedürfnis, junge Hunde, Mäuse und andere kleine Tiere zu "streicheln", bringt die beiden in Schwierigkeiten. Auf der Suche nach neuen Jobs verflucht George seinen Gefährten Lennie, bringt es aber nicht übers Herz, ihn alleine zu lassen. Als Lennie beginnt, die Frau des Gutsbesitzers zu "streicheln", ist das Unheil vorprogrammiert.
John Steinbeck
John Steinbeck was an American author known for his realistic and socially conscious novels depicting the struggles of the working class during the Great Depression. His most notable works include "The Grapes of Wrath," which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1940, and "Of Mice and Men," a novella exploring the lives of migrant workers in California. Steinbeck's writing style is characterized by its simple language, vivid descriptions, and deep empathy for his characters. He made significant contributions to literature by shining a light on the hardships faced by ordinary people and advocating for social justice. "The Grapes of Wrath" is considered his most famous work and remains a classic of American literature. Steinbeck's impact on the literary genre of social realism is enduring, as his works continue to resonate with readers today.