What is the central conflict in "Of Mice and Men"?

The central conflict in "Of Mice and Men" revolves around the struggle for economic survival, which reflects the broader themes of the American Dream during the Great Depression. The two main characters, George and Lennie, embody the desire for a better life, working as itinerant laborers and dreaming of owning their own piece of land. Their aspirations highlight the harsh realities faced by many during this period, where job security was scarce and people fought for basic necessities. The economic struggles they encounter not only shape their friendship but also define their interactions with other characters, revealing the loneliness and desperation shared by those around them.

The other options, while they may involve elements of conflict, do not encapsulate the primary theme of the novel as effectively. The battle for a woman's affections is not a focus of the plot, nor does the narrative center around a direct fight against nature or an internal moral dilemma for the characters. Instead, the relentless pursuit of stability and community in an unforgiving economic landscape stands at the forefront of Steinbeck’s story.