There are two main conflicts in John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men. One conflict is an internal one: Man verses Himself; the other conflict is external: Man verses Man.
In regard to the internal conflict, George feels responsible for Lennie. He made a promise to Lennie's aunt which forces George to care for Lennie. This conflict is highlighted through Lennie's, inevitable, getting into trouble. The problems that Lennie cause force George to feel held back and unable to move on for himself. In the end, George must come to terms with what is best for Lennie.
In regard to the external conflict, Man verses Man, this is exampled in many different ways throughout the novel. 1) Lennie against Curley. 2) Lennie against George. 3) Lennie against Curley's Wife. 4) George and Lennie against Society. While examples 1-3 are basic physical conflicts, example 4 is not. Lennie and George are conflicted with society as a while because they cannot find a place where they fit in. They, like many ranchers at the time, would find work, make enough money to move on, and leave. George and Lennie wanted more; they wanted a place to call their own. Unfortunately, there is no place for them.
