Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where did the bus drop the two men off?
Where did the bus drop the two men off?
2 miles from the ranch near Salinas River.
How is George described?
How is George described?
Short, small, slim, working man.
How is Lennie described?
How is Lennie described?
Big, broad shoulders, walks like a bear, no arm movement when he walks.
What does Lennie take out of his pocket that gets him yelled at by George?
What does Lennie take out of his pocket that gets him yelled at by George?
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What did Lennie want to do with the dead mouse?
What did Lennie want to do with the dead mouse?
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Where are George and Lennie going?
Where are George and Lennie going?
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From where are George and Lennie coming?
From where are George and Lennie coming?
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When they get to where they are going, what does George tell Lennie to do?
When they get to where they are going, what does George tell Lennie to do?
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Why did George and Lennie leave the last place they were at?
Why did George and Lennie leave the last place they were at?
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Who used to give Lennie mice?
Who used to give Lennie mice?
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Why did Aunt Clara stop giving Lennie mice?
Why did Aunt Clara stop giving Lennie mice?
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What does Lennie want with his dinner that they don't have?
What does Lennie want with his dinner that they don't have?
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What dream do George and Lennie share?
What dream do George and Lennie share?
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Where does George tell Lennie to go if he gets in trouble?
Where does George tell Lennie to go if he gets in trouble?
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Explain the relationship between George and Lennie based on Chapters 1 and 2.
Explain the relationship between George and Lennie based on Chapters 1 and 2.
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According to the old man, why was the boss mad at George and Lennie?
According to the old man, why was the boss mad at George and Lennie?
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Describe the 'stable buck'. What physical attributes does he have? What does the boss use him for?
Describe the 'stable buck'. What physical attributes does he have? What does the boss use him for?
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What is Lennie's last name?
What is Lennie's last name?
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What does the boss suspect George of doing to Lennie? What makes him think this?
What does the boss suspect George of doing to Lennie? What makes him think this?
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What reason does George give for taking care of Lennie?
What reason does George give for taking care of Lennie?
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What is George's last name?
What is George's last name?
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Who is Curley?
Who is Curley?
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Describe Curley's wife.
Describe Curley's wife.
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Why does Curley's wife come into the bunkhouse?
Why does Curley's wife come into the bunkhouse?
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Describe Slim. What is his job on the ranch? What are some of his character traits?
Describe Slim. What is his job on the ranch? What are some of his character traits?
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What did Slim do to four of his pups? Why?
What did Slim do to four of his pups? Why?
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What does Lennie want George to ask Slim?
What does Lennie want George to ask Slim?
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Describe the atmosphere of the ranch and bunkhouse. Include characteristics of different characters that were introduced.
Describe the atmosphere of the ranch and bunkhouse. Include characteristics of different characters that were introduced.
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What does Slim say he would have done to the dog if he hadn't given it to Lennie?
What does Slim say he would have done to the dog if he hadn't given it to Lennie?
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What is the setting of the novel?
What is the setting of the novel?
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From what point of view is the story told?
From what point of view is the story told?
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What is an example of something ironic from Chapter 2?
What is an example of something ironic from Chapter 2?
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What is the theme of the novel so far?
What is the theme of the novel so far?
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What are the different types of external conflicts?
What are the different types of external conflicts?
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What is an internal conflict?
What is an internal conflict?
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Who is/are the protagonist(s)?
Who is/are the protagonist(s)?
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Who is the antagonist?
Who is the antagonist?
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Study Notes
Setting and Context
- Story set in Soledad, Central California during the 1930s, amidst the Great Depression.
- George and Lennie arrive at the ranch two miles from the Salinas River after being dropped off by the bus.
- Traveling from Weed, California, they seek work on a ranch.
Characters
- George Milton: Described as short, slim, and a hardworking man; acts as a caretaker for Lennie.
- Lennie Small: Large, strong man with broad shoulders, moves awkwardly like a bear; has a childlike demeanor.
- Curley: The boss's son; small in stature, wears high-heeled boots to appear taller; a former lightweight boxer who dislikes large men.
- Curley's Wife: Flirtatious, wears heavy makeup, seeks attention from the ranch workers; described as a tramp.
- Slim: Tall, regal, highly respected ranch worker known as the "prince of the ranch"; intelligent and kind to George and Lennie.
- Stable Buck: An African American worker, intelligent and reclusive, lives separately from the others.
Relationships and Dynamics
- George watches over and protects Lennie, resembling a big brother; he can be harsh but means well.
- Lennie looks up to George and relies on him for guidance.
- George instructs Lennie to remain silent upon arrival at the ranch to avoid revealing their past troubles.
- Tension arises from the boss suspecting George of exploiting Lennie's earnings due to their close relationship.
Key Plot Points
- George tells Lennie not to talk on the ranch; they left Weed because Lennie touched a woman's dress, causing trouble.
- Lennie's longing for companionship is apparent through his desire to pet soft things, such as a dead mouse given to him by Aunt Clara.
- The dream of owning a piece of land together symbolizes hope for a better future, with aspirations of farming and keeping animals.
- An example of irony: Lennie's last name, "Small," contrasts with his large size.
Themes and Conflicts
- Theme centers around the importance of friendship and supporting others to enhance one's own life.
- External conflicts include character vs. society (George and Lennie's struggle against societal expectations and prejudices) and character vs. another character (Curley's antagonism towards George and Lennie).
- Internal conflict exemplified through Lennie's struggle with his childlike impulses and understanding his own strength.
Additional Details
- George's protective behavior is revealed when he claims he is Lennie’s cousin to explain their relationship to the boss.
- The ranch atmosphere is depicted as friendly, although inherent tensions exist, especially surrounding Curley and his wife.
- Slim demonstrates practicality and compassion, showing he would have euthanized the mother dog rather than let her suffer with too many pups.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of the key details from Chapters 1 and 2 of 'Of Mice and Men'. This quiz includes questions about the characters, their descriptions, and significant plot points. Perfect for students studying Steinbeck's classic novel.