Of Mice and Men Chapter 2 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does George answer when the boss asks what he is trying to put over?

He lies and says he and Lennie are cousins and they left their last job because it was done.

Which character is described as the boss's son, short and stocky, an ex-boxer who likes to pick on men bigger than himself?

Curley

Explain the statement made by the swamper: 'Seems like Curley ain't givin' nobody a chance.'

If Curley would fight a big man and win, everyone would think he was very strong and would congratulate him. If Curley would fight a big man and lose, everyone would feel sorry for him. Either way, Curley would come out the favorite of the crowd.

Identify Slim and Carlson.

Slim and Carlson are other ranch hands. Slim seems very reasonable and respected, trying to understand George and Lennie. Carlson is later responsible for killing Candy's dog. Signup and view all the answers

What does Slim have that Lennie wants?

Puppies Signup and view all the answers

Who are all the characters we meet in Chapter Two, and describe them?

Curley: the boss's son, aggressive, wears high heeled boots; Candy: ranch hand with only one hand; The boss: stocky, well dressed; Curley's wife: described as a tramp; Crooks: proud, bitter; Slim: prince of the ranch, jerkline skinner; Carlson: ranch hand, complains about Candy's dog; Whitey: left the ranch, over clean. Signup and view all the answers

What is George's advice to Lennie about Curley?

Stay away from Curley, unless Curley touches him then fight. Signup and view all the answers

What is wrong with Candy?

He is missing a hand and has a dog that smells. Signup and view all the answers

What is Candy's opinion of the Boss?

He is a pretty nice fella. He gave us a gallon of whiskey on Christmas. Signup and view all the answers

Why does George speak for Lennie and what does he tell the Boss as an excuse?

He says Lennie was kicked in the head by a horse so he is slow. He tells Lennie not to speak because he fears it will get them in trouble. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Curley's temper.

Has gotten worse since he has married and his wife likes to flirt with all the ranch hands. Signup and view all the answers

What does Carlson want and why?

He wants one of Slim's dogs and he wants to shoot his old dog because it smells. Signup and view all the answers

Why are there only five pups out of nine?

Slim drowned 4 of them because the mother couldn't take care of them. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lennie's request to George?

He wants a dog. Signup and view all the answers

What are the problems in the bunkhouse?

People need to get along in tight spaces and there are bugs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme in this chapter and how is it shown?

This chapter establishes the cruel and predatory nature of the world. Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between a round character and a flat character? Which character is which?

Round character changes; flat character stays the same. Round: Slim, George, Candy; Flat: Lennie, Curley, Carlson, Curley's wife. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Steinbeck dismiss women in this book, and how does he do this?

The only female character is Curley's wife, who is not even given a name. Steinbeck assigns female characters as only caretakers of men. Signup and view all the answers

Who greets Lennie and George at the bunkhouse?

An old man named Candy. Signup and view all the answers

What unusual habits does Whitney have?

He is very clean and always has to make everything perfect. Signup and view all the answers

Whom does the boss punish because George and Lennie are late?

Crooks. Signup and view all the answers

How does the boss react to George's friendship with Lennie?

He can't understand why George is looking out for Lennie. He thinks George is taking advantage of Lennie because George is doing all the talking. The boss watches them closely. Signup and view all the answers

How does Curley react to Lennie's silence?

Annoyed. He wants to fight Lennie. Signup and view all the answers

What does Curley think about George and Lennie's traveling together?

He thinks it's odd. Signup and view all the answers

What does the swamper mean by saying 'Curley's pretty handy'?

He is a boxer and he starts fights. Signup and view all the answers

What uneasy feeling does George have about Curley's wife?

George tells Lennie to stay away from her because she will get them in trouble. Signup and view all the answers

Who complains about the old smelly dog?

Carlson. Signup and view all the answers

Who was not allowed to use his feet in a fight?

Smitty. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the most respected person on the ranch?

Slim. Signup and view all the answers

Who begs to leave the ranch?

Lennie but they have to stay until they can buy their own ranch. Signup and view all the answers

Who pretends to look for Curley?

Curley's wife. Signup and view all the answers

Who tries to pick a fight with Lennie?

Curley. Signup and view all the answers

Who is angry that George and Lennie arrive late?

The boss. Signup and view all the answers

Who criticizes Lennie for speaking to the boss?

George. Signup and view all the answers

Who has only one hand?

Candy. Signup and view all the answers

Who gives George and Lennie the lowdown of the ranch?

Candy. Signup and view all the answers

Who tried to engage Lennie in an argument?

The boss and the boss's son. Signup and view all the answers

Who exchanged a few words but never fights?

Curley and George. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when the boss leaves?

George yells at Lennie and the truth of their friendship is revealed and Candy says he will not say anything. Signup and view all the answers

What does Slim think of George and Lennie's relationship?

He is impressed by how they look after one another. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 2 Overview

George fabricates a story about being cousins to explain their job history to the boss.
Curley is the boss's aggressive son who enjoys picking fights, particularly with larger men.

Character Introductions

Curley: Short, stocky, an ex-boxer; known for being confrontational.
Candy: An older ranch hand missing one hand, represents vulnerability.
The Boss: Stocky, well-dressed authority figure on the ranch.
Curley's Wife: Described derogatorily, represents trouble and a lack of agency.
Crooks: Proud and bitter character, represents racial tensions.
Slim: Highly respected "prince of the ranch"; skilled jerkline skinner.
Carlson: Ranch hand who complains about Candy's dog; takes action later in the story.
Whitney: Notable for his excessive cleanliness and desire for perfection.

Themes and Character Dynamics

Control and predation are established; the ranch is a harsh, cruel environment.
George advises Lennie to avoid Curley, suggesting tension between characters.

Relationship Insights

George speaks for Lennie, claiming Lennie was head-injured as a child, leading to his slowness.
The boss is skeptical of their friendship, suspecting exploitation of Lennie by George.
Curley's aggression towards Lennie is fueled by Lennie's silence, leading to potential conflict.

The boss punishes Crooks when George and Lennie are late, showcasing power dynamics.
Curley’s temper worsens post-marriage, possibly influenced by his wife’s flirtatious behavior.

Reflections on Gender

Steinbeck's portrayal of women is minimal, focusing on Curley’s wife without a personal name, emphasizing male-dominant themes.

Character Interactions

Carlson’s desire to eliminate Candy’s old dog raises ethical questions surrounding companionship and utility.
Slim drowns four of the puppies as the mother cannot care for them, showcasing harsh realities of ranch life.

Physical and Emotional Conditions

Several characters are impaired or marginalized: Candy with his missing hand, Curley with his insecurity, and Crooks with his racial status.

Additional Notes

George feels uneasy about Curley’s wife, preemptively advising Lennie to steer clear of her.
Each character embodies specific themes; Slim represents respect, while Curley signifies aggression and competition.
George expresses frustration with Lennie's desire to talk during tense moments, highlighting their unique relationship dynamic.

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Test your knowledge of Chapter 2 of 'Of Mice and Men' with these flashcards. Each card covers key characters and events, helping you to reinforce your understanding of the text. Ideal for students preparing for discussions or exams.