Of Mice and Men Chapter 6

Questions and Answers

How is the beginning of this scene similar to the beginning of the novel?

Story has come full circle. Lennie is back where he and George started.

Explain the image of the heron awaiting its prey and its connection to Lennie and his circumstances.

The Heron is the men coming after Lennie, Lennie is the snake who is killed.

Who is the little fat old woman Lennie remembers?

Lennie's Aunt Clara

How can you explain the hallucinations that Lennie has as he is waiting for George?

He is scared for what George will say, he knows he is hurting George. Signup and view all the answers

How does George know where to find Lennie?

George had told Lennie to go to the brush by the creek if anything bad happens. Signup and view all the answers

Why does George go through the motions of pretending to be angry at Lennie?

It makes Lennie feel better, that even though something bad happened George will fix it after he yells at him. Signup and view all the answers

Explain whether you believe Lennie realizes that he has done something wrong.

No, he does not realize what he did. He just wants George to yell at him, he is only thinking about the rabbits. Signup and view all the answers

Explain the symbolism in George's final telling of the farm story.

It is the final telling, Lennie will not see the farm. Signup and view all the answers

Why is George calm, almost without emotion, when he talks with Lennie?

He knows what he needs to do for Lennie, it has to be done. Signup and view all the answers

During George's retelling of the ranch story, why is the point about looking after each other mentioned so often?

George and Lennie are special, most men don’t travel in pairs. They look out for each other. Signup and view all the answers

What foreshadows the final events between Lennie and George?

George and Lennie are partners, that they look out for each other, and that Lennie has gotten into trouble before. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think George shoots Lennie?

He does not want Lennie put in a cage, locked up and treated like an animal. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think George lies to the men about the events that led up to Lennie's death?

He does not know what the men would say if they knew he killed Lennie. Signup and view all the answers

Who realizes what really happened between Lennie and George?

Slim Signup and view all the answers

Explain the significance of the final statement in the novel.

It’s a terrible tragedy that was done, Lennie should not have had to die. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 6 Overview

The chapter mirrors the beginning of the novel, symbolizing a full circle in Lennie and George's journey.
Lennie returns to the brush by the creek, the same place he was told to go if trouble arose.

Imagery and Symbolism

The heron waiting for its prey parallels Lennie's fate; he is depicted as the snake, ultimately leading to his death at the hands of men.
Georgie's calm demeanor when conversing with Lennie reflects his acceptance of the difficult decision ahead.

Hallucinations and Memories

Lennie's hallucinations, including Aunt Clara, reveal his deep-seated fears and sense of guilt about disappointing George.
Aunt Clara symbolizes Lennie’s innocence and the expectations placed on him by those who cared for him.

George’s Role

George pretends to be angry at Lennie to provide him comfort, reinforcing the bond between them even in dark times.
His retelling of their dream farm serves as a comforting escape for Lennie, contrasting with the reality they face.

Foreshadowing and the Tragic Conclusion

Earlier events foreshadow the tragic end, highlighting the unique relationship of George and Lennie, and Lennie's repeated troubles.
George ultimately chooses to shoot Lennie to prevent him from enduring a harsh fate, prioritizing Lennie’s peace over societal consequences.

Reactions and Realizations

Slim is the only character who understands the depth of the situation between George and Lennie.
George lies to the other men to protect his and Lennie's shared bond, fearing their judgment and lack of understanding.

Final Reflection

The novel ends on a poignant note, addressing the tragedy of Lennie's death caused by circumstances beyond their control, and highlighting the indifference of others, like Carlson and Curley.

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Description

Explore the themes and symbolism in Chapter 6 of 'Of Mice and Men'. This chapter reflects on the journey of Lennie and George, highlighting important motifs such as hallucinations, memories, and the deep bond between the characters. Delve into the imagery that foreshadows Lennie's fate and George's role as a protector.