Of Mice and Men Chapters 1 & 2 Quiz

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.