Steinbeck foreshadows forthcoming conflicts within the story due to a lack of companionship and trust amongst the farmers. After being shamed by the men, Curley’s wife declares, “‘You’re all scared of each other, that’s what. Ever’ one of you’s scared the rest is going’ to get something on you’” (Steinbeck 77). By accusing the men of being fearful and skeptical of one another, Curley’s wife hints upon disputes and predicaments that are to soon arise on the ranch. For instance, Lennie has a compelling desire to stroke soft things due to his mental illness. Subsequently, Lennie becomes the cause of his puppy's death after petting it too forcefully. In an attempt comfort Lennie, Curley’s wife offers Lennie a piece of her hair for him to stroke. Following this, Lennie loses all self-control, shaking Curley’s wife and, eventually, snapping her neck. As a result of the chaos created by Lennie, the true morbidity of the other farmers is revealed after forming a group with intentions to lynch Lennie. Even George, Lennie’s only true friend in life, makes the final decision to shoot Lennie in the back of the head in order to relieve himself of the burden that is Lennie, himself. The men’s inability to look past Lennie’s mistake reveals their lack of trust and companionship amongst one another, all of which was foreshadowed by the blatant words spoken by Curley’s wife.…