In this chapter, George and Lennie arrive at a ranch in California, where they hope to find work and take a step closer to their dream of owning a piece of land. As they enter the bunkhouse, the stark reality of their situation begins to unfold. The setting is described as cramped and harsh, reflective of the lives of the itinerant workers who inhabit it.

George takes on the role of protector and communicator, especially concerning Lennie, who has a mental disability. He instructs Lennie to remain quiet and let him do the talking during their introduction to the other ranch hands. This dynamic underscores the deep bond between the two men, with George often acting as a caretaker for the innocent but strong Lennie.

Upon meeting the boss, George skillfully navigates the conversation, explaining their past work experiences and downplaying Lennie’s mental challenges to prevent any judgment. However, Lennie’s lack of understanding leads to him smiling and nodding at inappropriate moments, which raises the boss’s suspicions. The boss questions George about Lennie, suspecting that George might be taking advantage of him. George quickly calms the situation by claiming that Lennie is his cousin and that he is simply a bit slow.

The chapter introduces several key characters who will play significant roles in the story. Curley, the boss's aggressive son, is described as small but pugnacious, with a chip on his shoulder. He is insecure about his size and often seeks to assert his dominance over others, particularly the larger Lennie. Curley’s wife is also mentioned, though she does not appear in this chapter; she is depicted as a lonely figure, often seeking attention and companionship, highlighting the theme of isolation.

Another character introduced is Candy, an aging ranch hand who has lost one of his hands in an accident. Candy is fearful of becoming useless as he ages and is eager to connect with George and Lennie, sensing their shared dream of owning land. This connection foreshadows future events, as Candy's desire for companionship and security aligns with George and Lennie's aspirations.

As the day progresses, the realities of ranch life are made apparent. George warns Lennie about getting into trouble and advises him to keep his distance from Curley and his wife. The chapter ends with a sense of foreboding, as George’s protective nature over Lennie is highlighted, suggesting that their friendship will be tested by the challenges they face in this harsh environment.

Overall, Chapter 2 deepens the reader's understanding of the characters and sets the stage for the conflicts that will arise, particularly surrounding Lennie’s mental disability, the struggle for acceptance, and the harsh realities of life on the ranch.