Of Mice and Men Chapter 3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does Slim say he would have done to the dog if he hadn't given it to Lennie?

Killed them

What does Slim say he finds funny?

That George and Lennie travel together.

What does George say if he were really smart he would be doing?

Own his own land and not work like a dog for someone else to profit.

What is the story behind why Lennie and George travel together?

George knew Lennie from the time they were kids and when Lennie's Aunt Clara died, George promised he'd look after him. Signup and view all the answers

What can the reader infer about Lennie's childhood and family life?

Aunt Clara took good care of him, but he struggled with his peer groups which made fun of him and played tricks on him. Signup and view all the answers

What did George do once that made him stop playing jokes on Lennie?

He told Lennie to jump into a lake, and Lennie couldn't swim, but he did it anyway and almost drowned. Signup and view all the answers

What card game does George play?

Solitaire Signup and view all the answers

What does George tell Slim happened in Weed?

Lennie tried to pet a girl's dress because he thought it was soft; she screamed, so he grabbed her dress harder; when she got away, she claimed Lennie raped her. Signup and view all the answers

What sneaky thing does Lennie try to do?

Bring his puppy from Slim into the bunkhouse. Signup and view all the answers

What game have the other guys been playing while George and Slim talk?

Horseshoes Signup and view all the answers

What is Carlson's problem and what does he tell Candy to do?

He doesn't like Candy's dog because he smells bad and is too old to do anyone any good; he tells Candy to shoot the dog. Signup and view all the answers

What reasons does Carlson give for wanting Candy's dog shot?

The dog smells bad; has no teeth; can barely walk; can't do Candy any good; can't do itself any good. Signup and view all the answers

What does Whit show Slim?

A magazine with a letter published in it from a former ranch hand. Signup and view all the answers

What does Carlson say he has?

A Luger—a pistol. Signup and view all the answers

What does Slim tell Carlson to take with him when he goes to shoot Candy's dog?

A shovel to bury the dog. Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Whit give for thinking that George and Lennie must have come to work?

Because they came on Friday and have to work all day Saturday before they get their day off on Sunday and the three free meals that come on their day off. Signup and view all the answers

What does Whit invite George to do 'tomorrow' night?

Go to town to Susy's brothel. Signup and view all the answers

Why don't the guys visit Clara's house instead of Susy's?

Because Susy's is 'cleaner' and cheaper; Susy tells good jokes and doesn't mind if the guys just want to buy a shot and not have a 'flop' with a prostitute. Signup and view all the answers

Why does George say he will go and get a drink but that he isn't going to pay for a flop?

Because he doesn't want to spend his money on girls when he and Lennie are saving up for their ranch. Signup and view all the answers

What is Curley looking for?

His wife; Slim; a fight. Signup and view all the answers

What does Curley think Slim is doing?

Messing with his wife. Signup and view all the answers

What is Slim really doing in the barn?

He's tarring a mule's hoof. Signup and view all the answers

Who has been listening to and finally interrupts George and Lennie's conversation about the ranch?

Candy. Signup and view all the answers

For what reason would the people sell the ranch for only $600?

Because the old lady needs an operation and the couple is broke. Signup and view all the answers

How did Candy get $250?

As compensation for losing his right hand. Signup and view all the answers

What is George afraid will happen to them if others find out they are going to buy a ranch?

They will try to get them all fired because no one wants to see some guys get their dreams. Signup and view all the answers

What does Candy tell George he wishes he had done?

Shot his own dog. Signup and view all the answers

Why was Lennie smiling when Curley comes back in?

He's thinking about the ranch and the rabbits. Signup and view all the answers

About what does Curley think Lennie is smiling?

He thinks Lennie's laughing at him because of Carlson saying he would kick Curley's head in. Signup and view all the answers

What happens between Curley and Lennie?

They fight; Curley starts a confrontation with Lennie. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Dynamics

Slim expresses empathy for Lennie by stating he would have killed a dog rather than let others harm it.
George and Lennie's close relationship stems from George's childhood promise to care for Lennie after Aunt Clara's death.

Humor and Travel

Slim finds it amusing that George and Lennie travel together, showcasing their unique bond juxtaposed against individual loneliness in the migrant lifestyle.
George muses that true intelligence would have led him to own land instead of laboring for others, reflecting the struggles of itinerant workers.

Background Stories

George recalls a significant incident where he played a cruel joke on Lennie that nearly resulted in Lennie's drowning.
Lennie's upbringing involved challenges of social acceptance, indicating a troubling childhood where he was often teased.

Conflicts and Relationships

In Weed, Lennie's innocent attempt to touch a girl's dress resulted in chaos when she screamed, leading to a false accusation of rape.
Carlson criticizes Candy's old dog, suggesting euthanasia based on its poor condition, which highlights issues of utilitarian views on life.

Dreams and Aspirations

Candy reveals a desire to buy land and live independently, sharing a hopeful dream with George that contrasts with their harsh reality.
George fears that revealing their intention to buy a ranch could incite jealousy and sabotage from others on the ranch.

Whit shares a magazine featuring a letter from a former ranch worker, signaling camaraderie and shared experiences among the men.
George debates visiting Susy's brothel instead of Clara's, drawn by Susy's reputation for being cleaner, highlighting their social options in town.

Violence and Misunderstandings

Curley’s aggressiveness leads to heightened tensions, mistakenly thinking Slim is involved with his wife, displaying his possessiveness.
The fight between Curley and Lennie represents a clash of strength and innocence, as Lennie's joyful thoughts about the future contrast with Curley's aggression.

Overall Themes

Themes of loneliness and dreams underpin character interactions, portraying the intense desire for companionship and a better life.
The men’s discussions about relationships, dreams, and social issues reveal the underlying struggles of those living during the Great Depression.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts and events from Chapter 3 of 'Of Mice and Men.' These flashcards cover important quotes and character insights that are essential for understanding the chapter's themes. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their learning or prepare for discussions.