Of Mice and Men Chapter 4 Vocabulary

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What does 'aloof' mean?

Apart, reserved, cool

What does 'fawning' mean?

Groveling, overly attentive

What does 'apprehension' mean?

Understanding, grasp

What does 'indignation' mean?

Anger or annoyance Signup and view all the answers

What does 'crestfallen' mean?

Sad and disappointed Signup and view all the answers

What is 'verbal irony'?

When words express something contrary to the truth or what is said Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of verbal irony.

'Cause I can jus' as well go away, George, an' live in a cave. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'symbolism' mean?

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities Signup and view all the answers

What are two books that Crooks owns?

A tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California civil codes for 1905 Signup and view all the answers

How does Crooks react to Lennie when he comes to visit?

Crooks acted very rude to Lennie. He seemed offended since Crooks wasn't allowed in the other guys' bunks. Signup and view all the answers

For what reason did Lennie come to the barn?

Lennie went to the barn to pet his pup, but then he found Crook's light in his bedroom. Signup and view all the answers

Where is George?

George is in town with the other guys. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Crooks' family?

There were not many colored people where he came from. His dad owned a chicken ranch and the white kids used to go play in their yard, which Crooks' family did not like. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennie tell Crooks, even though he probably shouldn't have?

Lennie told Crooks about the plan to own a ranch with their own garden and animals. Signup and view all the answers

What is Crooks' opinion of George and Lennie's desire to get land?

He doesn't believe that they'll be able to pull it off. Signup and view all the answers

About what did Candy want to talk to Lennie?

He wanted to talk to him about the plan for their rabbits. Signup and view all the answers

Where is George's money going, according to Crooks?

Crooks believes that George's money will go towards a whorehouse or a blackjack game. Signup and view all the answers

Who visits Crooks, Candy, and Lennie?

Curley's wife visits them. Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Curley's wife?

She doesn't like staying in the house by herself. She could have gone with the 'shows' and she doesn't believe the lies about how Curley broke his hand. Signup and view all the answers

Before Curley's wife leaves, what does she notice about Lennie?

She notices that he has bruises all over his face. Signup and view all the answers

What does Curley's wife say she could have done to Crooks?

She says she could have easily strung him up on a tree. Signup and view all the answers

What is the last thing Crooks says to Candy?

He tells Candy that he doesn't want to work on their ranch, to forget about what he said. He also said that what Curley's wife said to him was nothing. Signup and view all the answers

How is the theme of loneliness developed in this chapter?

The theme of loneliness was mainly shown through Crooks, Lennie, and Curley's wife. Crooks opened up about feeling alone and having no friends or family. Lennie got upset over the thought of George never coming back. Curley's wife confessed that she felt very lonely and didn't like being by herself in their house since Curley is never home. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocabulary and Definitions

Aloof: Describes a demeanor of being apart, reserved, or cool toward others.
Fawning: Characterized by groveling or being overly attentive in a flattering way.
Apprehension: Refers to the understanding or grasp of a concept or situation.
Indignation: Represents a feeling of anger or annoyance often due to perceived unfair treatment.
Crestfallen: Indicates a state of being sad and disappointed.
Verbal Irony: Occurs when words convey a meaning that is opposite to their literal meaning.

Examples and Symbolism

Example of Verbal Irony: Lennie's comment, "Cause I can jus' as well go away, George, an' live in a cave," underscores the contrast between his desires and reality.
Symbolism: Uses symbols to convey deeper ideas and qualities, enhancing the narrative.

Character Insights

Crooks' Belongings: Owns only a tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California civil codes for 1905, symbolizing his isolation and limited resources.
Crooks' Reaction to Lennie: Initially rude to Lennie, reflecting his own bitterness from being excluded from others.
Lennie's Intentions: Visits the barn seeking his puppy but encounters Crooks, highlighting his naivety.
George's Absence: Revealed to be in town with the other men, indicating Lennie's solitude.
Crooks' Family Background: Comes from a place with few people of color; his experience with prejudice shapes his character.

Interactions and Themes

Lennie's Confession: Shares dreams of owning a ranch, showing his vulnerability and hope despite challenges.
Crooks' Skepticism: Doubts George and Lennie's plans for land ownership, showcasing his cynicism developed from isolation.
Candy's Interests: Discusses his dream of having rabbits, representing companionship and hope for a better future.
Crooks on George's Money: Believes it will be wasted on vices, illustrating a lack of faith in others' aspirations.
Curley's Wife: Visits Crooks, Candy, and Lennie; reveals her loneliness and desire for connection outside of her marriage.

Loneliness and Isolation

Development of Loneliness Theme:
- Crooks expresses deep isolation and lack of companionship.
- Lennie's worry about George's absence highlights his reliance on friendship.
- Curley's wife's admission of feeling alone when Curley is away stresses her despair and unfulfilled needs.

Final Remarks

Crooks' Last Words: Tells Candy to disregard their previous comments about the ranch, emphasizing his resignation and the impact of Curley's wife's threats.
Curley's Wife's Threat: Claims she could harm Crooks, demonstrating her own powerlessness and how it is exerted over those lower in status.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Enhance your understanding of key vocabulary in Chapter 4 of 'Of Mice and Men' with this study guide. Each flashcard presents a word along with its definition, helping you grasp essential terms and their meanings in the context of the novel.