Chapter 1 foreshadowing dread of what is to come.

What are some examples of foreshadowing in the opening chapter of Mice and Men?

The Salinas River and its surrounding area is described in chapter 1. The name 'Soledad', which is the location of this story is an interesting one. It means loneliness and as well know everyone ends up alone. Even before we meet Lennie and George, this area is described in great detail.  In this opening chapter we learn about the hopes and dreams that George and Lennie have for the future but this also foreshadows to the reader the theme that Steinbeck wants the reader to leave with.

The dead mouse in Lennie's pocket, and George's reaction to this, is also of key importance. It foreshadows the future of these two individuals. Lennie did not kill the mouse intentionally but this shows the reader that Lennie is not in control of his body and there are consequences of this later in the story, a sense of dread to what is to come. 

The opening paragraph portrays this area as the perfect Garden of Eden, untouched by man through the golden imagery describing the physical landscape of the Galiban Mountains and wildlife. Written in the present tense, this area will continue to live on well after George and Lennie, who are written about in the past tense. 

It is important that you are aware of the many examples of foreshadowing used by Steinbeck throughout this novella.