Of Mice and Men Characters and Setting

Questions and Answers

Where did the bus drop the two men off?

2 miles from the ranch near Salinas river

How is George described?

As a short, small, slim, working man: 'small and quick and dark of face', 'restless eyes', 'strong, sharp features', 'strong hands', 'slender arms', 'thin bony nose'

How is Lennie described?

As a man with big, broad shoulders, who walks like a bear: 'huge', 'shapeless', 'large pale eyes', 'wide sloping shoulders', 'dragging his feet...the way a bear drags his paws'

What does Lennie do with the water that makes him proud of himself?

He creates ripples across the water Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennie not have in his pocket?

Bus ticket; work card Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lennie not have it in his pocket?

George took it so Lennie wouldn't lose it Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennie take out of his pocket that gets him yelled at by George?

A dead mouse Signup and view all the answers

What did Lennie want to do with the mouse?

He wanted to pet it Signup and view all the answers

Where are George and Lennie going?

To a ranch for work Signup and view all the answers

From where are George and Lennie coming?

Weed, California Signup and view all the answers

When they get to where they are going, what does George tell Lennie to do?

To not say a word Signup and view all the answers

Why did George and Lennie leave the last place they were at?

Lennie messed up Signup and view all the answers

When Lennie goes out to get wood for a fire, what does he bring back that George takes away?

A mouse Signup and view all the answers

Who used to give Lennie mice?

His Aunt Clara Signup and view all the answers

Why did she stop giving Lennie mice?

He kept petting them too hard and killing them Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennie want with his dinner that they don't have?

Ketchup Signup and view all the answers

What does George imply happened in Weed with the girl?

That Lennie messed up because he stroked the girl's dress too hard and then she accused him of rape Signup and view all the answers

What dream do George and Lennie share?

That they own their own ranch, have rabbits, and live off the 'fat o' the land' Signup and view all the answers

Where does George tell Lennie to go if he gets in trouble?

To the brush by the river Signup and view all the answers

Explain the relationship between George and Lennie based on Chapter 1.

George is like a big brother to Lennie and watches over him. George is sometimes harsh, but for Lennie's own good. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters

George is depicted as a small, quick, and slim working man with restless eyes and strong features.
Lennie is characterized as a large, bear-like figure, described as having broad shoulders and dragging his feet.

Setting

The story begins with George and Lennie being dropped off 2 miles from a ranch near the Salinas River.
They are traveling from Weed, California, to find work at a new ranch.

Plot Points

Lennie takes pride in creating ripples in the water, reflecting his childlike nature.
George keeps Lennie's bus ticket and work card to avoid him losing them.
An essential incident occurs when Lennie pulls a dead mouse from his pocket, wanting to pet it, which angers George.

Previous Events

George instructs Lennie to remain silent upon arrival at the ranch, indicating their need to be cautious.
The duo left Weed because Lennie's actions caused trouble; he stroked a girl’s dress, resulting in an accusation of assault.

Personal History

Lennie's aunt Clara used to give him mice, but she stopped because he would accidentally kill them by petting them too hard.
Lennie expresses a desire for ketchup with his dinner, showcasing his simple cravings.

Aspirations

George and Lennie share a dream of owning a ranch, where they can live independently, grow crops, and keep rabbits.

Safety Plan

George tells Lennie to retreat to the brush by the river if he finds himself in trouble, highlighting their strategy for dealing with conflict.

Relationship Dynamics

The relationship is akin to that of a protective older brother; George takes on the role of caretaker for Lennie, displaying a mix of affection and firmness.

Studying That Suits You

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

Description

This quiz explores the characters and setting of John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men'. You will learn about the contrasting personalities of George and Lennie, their backgrounds, and the significance of their journey to the ranch. Test your knowledge of key plot points and personal histories that shape the narrative.