Questions and Answers
Who greeted George and Lennie at the bunkhouse?
Candy
What unusual habits did Whitey have?
Wearing gloves, dressing up on Sundays, and being obsessed with cleaning.
Whom did the boss punish because George and Lennie were late? Why?
The stable buck, Crooks. The boss was frustrated.
Why does George answer all the questions directed towards Lennie?
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How does the boss react to George's friendship with Lennie? Why is he suspicious of them?
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What excuse does George give for Lennie's slowness?
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How does Curley react to Lennie's silence?
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What does Curley think about George and Lennie traveling together?
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What does the swamper mean by the statement 'Curley's pretty handy'?
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What uneasy feeling does George have about Curley's wife? Is Candy's opinion of her justified? Why?
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What is the mood of the novel so far? How does the account of Whitey's quitting contribute to that mood?
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Most of the opening paragraphs consist of a realistic description of the bunkhouse. What detail suggests that the ranch hands have a 'romantic' side?
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Which character names from this section have symbolic importance?
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Who or what seems to be a source of tension in this chapter that may foreshadow future conflicts?
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Describe Slim. What is the significance of Slim's and Carlson's remarks about the dogs?
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Study Notes
Key Characters and Relationships
- Candy is the first to greet George and Lennie at the bunkhouse, highlighting a welcoming yet isolated community atmosphere.
- Crooks, the stable buck, is set apart from the other men due to his preference for reading and his isolation, showcasing themes of loneliness and segregation.
- The boss punishes Crooks for George and Lennie's tardiness, reflecting the arbitrary nature of power and blame on the ranch.
Interactions and Suspicion
- George answers questions for Lennie to protect him, indicating Lennie's vulnerability and George's protective nature.
- The boss is suspicious of George and Lennie's friendship, believing George is hiding something, revealing distrust in their dynamic.
- Curley reacts angrily to Lennie's silence, interpreting it as disrespect, which signifies tension and potential conflict.
Social Dynamics and Perceptions
- Curley is baffled by George and Lennie's companionship, demonstrating a lack of understanding of non-traditional friendships on the ranch.
- The term "Curley's pretty handy" refers to his reputation as a skilled fighter, establishing his aggressive personality and foreshadowing potential confrontations.
- George feels uneasy about Curley's wife being a source of trouble, and Candy's opinion reflects a consensus on her flirtatious nature, indicating the dangers of female presence on the ranch.
Mood and Symbolism
- The overall mood of the novel is tense, as illustrated by Whitey's departure, which represents feelings of exclusion and isolation among characters.
- Symbolic character names include Lennie (ironic juxtaposition), Candy (age and disability), Curley (aggression), Crooks (isolation), and Slim (reliability), hinting at their deeper narrative roles.
Foreshadowing and Themes
- The relationship between Curley and the other ranch hands hints at future conflicts, foreshadowing aggressive interactions and rivalry.
- Slim is portrayed as a trustworthy character, with his and Carlson's remarks about dogs emphasizing themes of loyalty and companionship on the ranch, contrasting the harsh realities of their lives.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapter 2 of 'Of Mice and Men' with these flashcards. This quiz covers key characters and events, helping you understand the interactions and themes introduced in the chapter. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their learning.
