<P> Steinbeck based the novella on his own experiences working alongside migrant farm workers as a teenager in the 1910s (before the arrival of the Okies he would vividly describe in The Grapes of Wrath). The title is taken from Robert Burns' poem "To a Mouse", which reads: "The best laid schemes o' mice an' men / Gang aft agley". (The best laid schemes of mice and men / Often go awry .) </P> <P> While it is a book taught in many schools, Of Mice and Men has been a frequent target of censors for vulgarity and what some consider offensive and racist language; consequently, it appears on the American Library Association's list of the Most Challenged Books of 21st Century . </P> <P> Two migrant field workers in California on their plantation during the Great Depression--George Milton, an intelligent but uneducated man, and Lennie Small, a bulky, strong man but mentally disabled--are in Soledad on their way to another part of California . They hope to one day attain the dream of settling down on their own piece of land . Lennie's part of the dream is merely to tend and pet rabbits on the farm, as he loves touching soft animals, although he always kills them . This dream is one of Lennie's favorite stories, which George constantly retells . They had fled from Weed after Lennie touched a young woman's dress and wouldn't let go, leading to an accusation of rape . It soon becomes clear that the two are close and George is Lennie's protector, despite his antics . </P> <P> After being hired at a farm, the pair are confronted by Curley--The Boss's small, aggressive son with a Napoleon complex who dislikes larger men, and starts to target Lennie . Curley's flirtatious and provocative wife, to whom Lennie is instantly attracted, poses a problem as well . In contrast, the pair also meets Candy, an elderly ranch handyman with one hand and a loyal dog, and Slim, an intelligent and gentle jerkline - skinner whose dog has recently had a litter of puppies . Slim gives a puppy to Lennie and Candy, whose loyal, accomplished sheep dog was put down by fellow ranch - hand Carlson . </P>

Which one is george and which one is lennie