Of Mice and Men Chapter 6 Review

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Questions and Answers

How is the beginning of the scene similar to the beginning of the novel? How is it different? What is John Steinbeck's purpose of doing this?

It is at the same location as the beginning. In the beginning of this chapter, Steinbeck creates an ominous mood by having the heron eat the water snake. He has the end in the same location as the beginning to bring the book full circle.

What two characters is Lennie speaking to at the beginning of the chapter? What do each say to him? What do they represent?

Lennie is speaking to his Aunt Clara and a rabbit. Aunt Clara reprimands him because all that George does is take care of him, but Lennie goes and gets in trouble. The rabbit tells Lennie that George will not trust Lennie with tending the rabbits. They represent his internal conflict.

Describe George's attitude when he approaches Lennie. Is this expected? Why or why not?

George is very calm when talking to Lennie. His attitude is very unexpected because, in the past, George yells at him, and then it's over.

What does Lennie ask George to do as he sits by the river? How does this make Lennie feel?

Lennie asks George to tell him about the dream. This calms Lennie down and makes him very happy. Signup and view all the answers

Describe George's actions when speaking to Lennie. What do these actions suggest about George's feelings at the moment?

George is calming Lennie down and it suggests that he doesn't want to kill Lennie. But George wants to gain that closure before he or the mob kills him. Signup and view all the answers

George and Lennie were said to be unlike other migrant workers. How has this changed?

George is now going to spend his money in a cathouse like other migrant workers. He is no longer going to save it up. Also, George and Lennie would now be apart. Signup and view all the answers

What does George finally decide to do with Lennie? Why did he make this decision?

George finally decides to kill Lennie. He made this decision because he doesn't want him to die a painful death from the mob. George does not want him to suffer. Signup and view all the answers

What past events helped foreshadow George killing Lennie?

The killing of Candy's dog foreshadows Lennie's death. They were both shot in the same spot. Signup and view all the answers

When the rest of the men meet up with George, which character is able to sympathize most with George? Why?

Slim is able to sympathize with George because George confided in Slim, so he knows how much he loves him. Signup and view all the answers

What characters do not understand what George has done? Why? What do they represent?

Curley and Carlson do not understand since they only know what they saw. They represent the typical migrant worker. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 6 Overview

The chapter begins and ends at the same location, enhancing a sense of closure.
An ominous mood is established with imagery of a heron eating a water snake, contrasting with the novel's beginning.

Lennie's Conversations

Lennie converses with Aunt Clara and a rabbit, representing his internal conflict.
Aunt Clara criticizes Lennie for causing trouble despite George's care; the rabbit tells him George won't let him tend the rabbits.

George's Attitude

George approaches Lennie with calmness, which is unexpected given their history of conflict.
This reflective demeanor suggests a shift in George's emotional state, indicating sorrow and acceptance.

Lennie's Request

Lennie requests George to recount their dream, which brings him comfort and happiness amidst despair.

George's Actions

George comforts Lennie, signaling his desire to protect him from the impending mob.
This suggests George's dual role of caretaker and harbinger of difficult decisions.

Changes in George and Lennie's Dynamic

George plans to spend his money on a cathouse, reflecting a loss of hope and their bond.
The separation of George and Lennie contrasts their previous unbreakable partnership as migrant workers.

George's Decision

George ultimately decides to kill Lennie to spare him suffering at the hands of the mob.
This decision highlights themes of mercy and protective love amidst harsh realities.

Foreshadowing

The death of Candy's dog foreshadows Lennie's fate, drawing parallels in the method of death and emotional weight.

Sympathy from Slim

Slim empathizes with George due to their close bond, having gained insight into George's profound love for Lennie.

Misunderstanding by Others

Curley and Carlson fail to grasp George’s actions, driven by their limited perspectives as migrant workers.
They embody a lack of understanding and empathy within the larger context of survival and harshness of life on the road.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 6 of John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' with this review quiz. Focus on the similarities and differences in the narrative, as well as Steinbeck's purpose in creating a specific mood. Explore key themes and settings that bring the story full circle.