Of Mice and Men Chapter 2 Quotes

The bunkhouse features whitewashed walls and an unpainted floor, symbolizing the bleak existence of itinerant ranch workers during the Great Depression.
Small square windows and a solid door suggest confinement and lack of opportunities, highlighting the oppressive nature of their lives.
Candy’s old dog symbolizes Candy’s own fate, representing the utilitarian view of aging individuals who are discarded when they are no longer useful.

The Boss wears high-heeled boots and spurs, indicating his authority over the workers and his non-laboring status.
Curley, the Boss’s son, derives his power solely from his lineage, dressed similarly to the Boss to assert his authority.
Curley exhibits aggressive body language, reflecting a theme of violence and a desire to dominate others.

Curley often seeks confrontation with weaker individuals, illustrating his insecurity and the unfairness of his fighting style.
Candy expresses prejudice against Curley’s wife, highlighting the sexism present on the ranch and the isolation of women in this environment.
George use derogatory terms to describe Curley’s wife, further emphasizing societal prejudice and objectification.

The line "the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off" acts as a symbolic foreshadowing of her role in the downfall of the dream for George and Lennie.
Curley’s wife, adorned in flashy clothing with red symbolism, seeks attention due to her loneliness and dreams of stardom, which signifies the danger associated with her character.
Her sudden apprehension reveals her complex motivations, as she seeks companionship but fears her husband's reaction.

Slim, characterized by natural authority, is described as achieving a "majesty" typical of royalty or master craftsmen, emphasizing his skill and effective leadership.
His word carries weight, reflecting themes of power derived from respect rather than fear.
Slim's understanding nature contrasts sharply with Curley’s aggressive demeanor, showcasing emotional intelligence and kindness in a harsh environment.

The text encapsulates themes of loneliness, companionship, and the struggle for power in a dehumanizing setting.
It reveals the harsh realities of social hierarchy and the consequences of prejudice, alongside the inherent desires for connection and understanding among marginalized characters.