Summary of Steinbeck's "Of Mice and Men" With Background About Steinbeck OF MICE AND MEN by John Steinbeck first takes place a few miles south of Soledad. There were two men by the names of George and Lennie who became life long partners. George thought Lennie needed support because Lennie was mentally retarded. Later, George and Lennie moved to a ranch nearby Soledad. George and Lennie got into trouble a few miles south of Soledad in a town called Weed. The men were hiding out along a river called Salinas, across from the Gabililan mountains. Trouble occurred in Weed when Lennie grabbed a hold of