Of Mice and Men: Chapters 1–2

by John Steinbeck
Set during the Great Depression, Steinbeck's classic novel tells the story of shrewd, scheming George and loyal, childlike Lennie. The two farm workers dream of owning their own land but must struggle merely to survive.

Here are links to our lists for the novel: Chapters 1–2, Chapters 3–4, Chapters 5–6

Here are links to our lists for other works by John Steinbeck: The Pearl, East of Eden, Cannery Row, The Grapes of Wrath, Travels with Charley
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Full list of words from this list:

words only definitions & notes
  1. mottled
    having spots or patches of color
    On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees — willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter's flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.
  2. recumbent
    lying down; in a position of comfort or rest
    On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees — willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter's flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.
  3. morosely
    in a sullen, moody manner
    George stared morosely at the water.
  4. brusquely
    in a blunt direct manner
    "Awright," he said brusquely.
  5. pantomime
    a performance using gestures and movements without words
    But Lennie made an elaborate pantomime of innocence.
  6. contemplate
    consider as a possibility
    Lennie hesitated, backed away, looked wildly at the brush line as though he contemplated running for his freedom.
  7. imperiously
    in a manner showing arrogant superiority
    George's hand remained outstretched imperiously.
  8. mollify
    cause to be more favorably inclined
    “Damn right he don’t,” said George, slightly mollified, “not if he wants to stay workin’ long.”
  9. pugnacious
    ready and able to resort to force or violence
    His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious.
  10. ominously
    in a manner suggesting something bad will happen
    He said ominously, “Well, he better watch out for Lennie. Lennie ain’t no fighter, but Lennie’s strong and quick and Lennie don’t know no rules.”
  11. derogatory
    expressive of low opinion
    He had drawn a derogatory statement from George.
  12. plaintively
    in a manner expressing sorrow
    “I don’t want no trouble,” he said plaintively.
  13. contort
    twist and press out of shape
    His face contorted with thought.
  14. complacently
    in a self-satisfied manner
    Lennie, who had been following the conversation back and forth with his eyes, smiled complacently at the compliment.
  15. muse
    reflect deeply on a subject
    “Ain’t many guys travel around together,” he mused.
Created on Mon Aug 11 22:27:00 EDT 2014 (updated Thu Jun 26 18:30:59 EDT 2025)

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