Compare and contrast the two men who come into the clearing by the river. [pages 2-3] Why do you think Steinbeck introduces the men by describing their physical features, highlighting the fact that one is small and one is huge? What can the reader infer about the two men based on their descriptions?

George- He was a small and quick man. He had a dark face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. He had a thin, bony nose. 

Lennie- He was a huge man with a shapeless face. He had large, pale eyes, and wide, sloping shoulders. He walked heavily and his arms hung at his sides. 

He introduces them this way to show that they are complete opposites. One is huge and very clumsy, whereas one is small and very quick and on task. The reader can infer that they are opposites, but are also good friends. It also seems like without each other, they would not be able to survive and live the way they are right now.