Questions and Answers
Give a summary of Chapter 2.
George and Lennie go to the new ranch bunkhouse and meet the old man Candy and his ancient dog. They meet the boss and his son, Curley, who is mean and threatened by Lennie. Curley's wife also meets them but she is described as a flirt towards other men. They then meet Slim, the jerkline skinner who talks about new puppies at the ranch.
Which quote describes the bunkhouse?
What quote shows George and Lennie's friendship?
What quote shows Lennie as an innocent childish character?
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What term is used pejoratively towards Crooks?
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Which quote shows prejudice towards Crooks?
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Which term is frequently used to describe Curley's wife?
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What does the description of Curley's wife foreshadow?
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What is said about Slim?
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How is Candy's dog described?
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What does the boss' statement indicate about isolation?
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Study Notes
Chapter 2 Summary
- George and Lennie arrive at a new ranch bunkhouse, encountering Candy, an old man, and his aged dog.
- The boss and his aggressive son Curley introduce tension, particularly as Curley feels threatened by Lennie's size.
- Curley's wife is characterized as flirtatious, seeking attention from the men at the ranch.
- Slim, the highly respected jerkline skinner, discusses puppies with the men, showcasing a more humane side of ranch life.
Bunkhouse Description
- The bunkhouse features small, square windows, contributing to a dim and somber atmosphere.
- Limited personal storage with just two shelves reflects the harshness of ranch life, emphasizing its unwelcoming nature.
George and Lennie's Friendship
- Lennie mimics George's actions, symbolizing admiration and dependence.
- George's scowl indicates a parental role, scolding Lennie in a protective manner.
- Lennie often looks to George for guidance, showcasing his innocence and need for direction.
Lennie's Innocence
- Lennie observes George with an open mouth, highlighting his childlike wonder and innocence.
Prejudice Towards Crooks
- Crooks is derogatorily labeled as 'nigge*', indicating a deep-rooted racism and dehumanization.
- His interest in reading surprises others, revealing an unexpected level of intelligence.
- References to Crooks’ physical disability provide insight into the cruelty of isolation and prejudice he faces.
Curley's Wife and Foreshadowing
- Curley’s wife is depicted with demeaning terms like 'tart' and 'jail bait', indicating her objectification.
- The repeated mention of the color red in her attire suggests danger and foreshadows possible future conflict.
- Her body language is flirty, which may lead to negative consequences for herself and others.
- Descriptions of her hair emphasize how she is viewed primarily as an object of desire.
Curley and the Boss
- Curley wears high-heeled boots and spurs to assert his status above the laborers.
- Curley's aggressive demeanor is evident as he seeks to assert dominance over Lennie.
Slim's Character
- Slim is likened to royalty, indicating his high status and respect among the ranch workers.
- His opinions carry weight among the men, showcasing his authority and leadership qualities.
- The gentleness of his voice reveals a compassionate side to his character.
Candy and His Dog
- Candy is commonly referred to as 'the old man', illustrating his marginalized status.
- His dog, described with pale, blind eyes, serves as a reflection of Candy's own decline and vulnerability.
- The callous suggestion to euthanize Candy's dog highlights the lack of empathy among ranch workers.
Isolation Themes
- The boss questions George's relationship with Lennie, revealing a lack of understanding of friendship on the ranch.
- The life of a ranch worker is characterized by loneliness, as relationships are rarely formed.
- The statement about few men traveling together emphasizes the independence and isolation inherent in ranch work.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 2 from 'Of Mice and Men' with this quiz focused on key quotes and summaries. Explore the dynamics between George, Lennie, Curley, and others as they navigate their new environment at the ranch. This quiz aims to deepen your understanding of the text and its characters.
