Of Mice and Men Comprehension Questions

Questions and Answers

Where did the bus drop the two men off?

2 miles from the ranch near Salinas River

How is George described?

Short, small, slim, working man

How is Lennie described?

Big, broad shoulders, walks like a bear, no arm movement when he walks

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 dead 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, CA 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 and was innocent on anything that the girl would say Signup and view all the answers

What dream do George and Lennie share?

The rabbits and their own ranch 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

According to the old man, why was the boss mad at George and Lennie?

Because they came late and couldn't work that day Signup and view all the answers

What does George find in the box by his bed and what does he assume?

Some type of cleaner and he assumes it's because everything is really dirty Signup and view all the answers

Describe the 'stable buck'. What physical attributes does he have, and what does the boss use him for?

An African American worker, strong, used for working in the stable Signup and view all the answers

Describe the fight between the 'stable buck' and Smitty.

FIGHT! Signup and view all the answers

What is Lennie's last name?

Small Signup and view all the answers

What does the boss suspect George of doing to Lennie? What makes him think this?

That George is taking Lennie's pay away from him; he thinks this because George isn't letting Lennie answer Signup and view all the answers

What reason does George give for taking care of Lennie?

He is his brother...? Cousin? Signup and view all the answers

What is George's last name?

Milton Signup and view all the answers

Who is Curley?

The boss's son Signup and view all the answers

What does the swamper tell George about Curley's left hand?

He wears a glove of Vaseline to make his hand soft for his wife Signup and view all the answers

Describe Curley's wife.

She had full, roughed lips and wide spread eyes and wore a ton of makeup Signup and view all the answers

Why does she come into the bunkhouse?

She is 'looking for Curley', which means she's checking out the new men Signup and view all the answers

Describe Slim. What is his job on the ranch? What are some of his character traits?

He is different, finer, smarter, can make distinctions more than the others; he is a big tall skinner Signup and view all the answers

What did Slim do to four of his pups? Why?

He drowned them because there were nine pups and the mom couldn't feed all of them Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennie want George to ask Slim?

If he can have one of the pups Signup and view all the answers

Describe the atmosphere of the ranch and bunkhouse. Be sure to include characteristics of different characters that were formally or informally introduced to us this chapter.

The ranch and bunkhouse were very friendly and accepting of the two men. Signup and view all the answers

What does Slim say he would have done to the dog if he hadn't given it to Lennie?

He would have killed it Signup and view all the answers

What are two books that Crooks owns?

A tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the CA civil codes for 1905 Signup and view all the answers

How does Crooks react to Lennie when he comes to visit?

He tells Lennie that he has no right to come in his room Signup and view all the answers

For what reason did Lennie come to the barn?

The light was on and he was lonely Signup and view all the answers

Where is George?

He went to town Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Crooks' family?

He was born in CA and his father owned a chicken ranch Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennie tell Crooks, even though he probably shouldn't have?

The rabbit story Signup and view all the answers

What is Crooks' opinion of George and Lennie's desire to get land?

That it will never happen; everyone always has that dream and never achieves it Signup and view all the answers

About what did Candy want to talk to Lennie?

About the rabbits Signup and view all the answers

Where is George's money going according to Crooks?

To the women in the 'cathouse' Signup and view all the answers

What day and time is it at the beginning of chapter 5?

Sunday afternoon Signup and view all the answers

What is Lennie doing in the barn by himself?

Petting his dog while the others are playing horseshoes Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lennie think that he might not get to tend the rabbits?

Because he killed the pup/dog Signup and view all the answers

Who visits Lennie in the barn?

Curley's wife Signup and view all the answers

According to Curley's wife, why isn't anyone going to leave the horseshoe tournament?

They all want to win Signup and view all the answers

According to Curley's wife, how come she didn't get into show business?

The people never called her Signup and view all the answers

What can we infer is the reason Curley's wife married Curley?

He adored her Signup and view all the answers

What plan does Lennie have to avoid getting in trouble?

Hiding Curley's wife by the hay Signup and view all the answers

What did Lennie lose that he wishes he had now?

Aunt Clara, George, love????? Signup and view all the answers

What is the setting of the novel?

Central California 1930s (USA) Depression era Signup and view all the answers

From what point of view is the story told?

3rd person omniscient; often called the 'God's eye' point of view because it can see all the thoughts and emotions Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of something ironic from this chapter?

Lennie's last name is Small and he is described as a big guy Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme of the novel so far?

Help others to help yourself Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of an onomatopoeia?

Buzz, click, rattle, grunt Signup and view all the answers

What are the different types of external conflicts?

Character vs. another character; character vs. forces of nature; character vs. society Signup and view all the answers

What is an internal conflict?

Character vs. itself (Lennie vs. Lennie) Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of verbal irony?

Verbal irony??? Signup and view all the answers

Who is/are the protagonist(s)?

George and Lennie Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Background

The story takes place in Central California during the 1930s, amidst the Great Depression.
The plot begins with George and Lennie being dropped off 2 miles from a ranch near the Salinas River.

Characters

George Milton: Described as short, slim, and serves as a caretaker for Lennie.
Lennie Small: A large man with broad shoulders; notable for his childlike innocence and lack of understanding of his own strength.
Curley: The boss's son, characterized by his aggressive nature and insecurity.
Curley's Wife: Described as flirtatious with heavy makeup, representing loneliness among the ranch women.
Slim: A skilled worker on the ranch, viewed as intelligent and fair-minded.
Crooks: An African-American stable buck who expresses cynicism about dreams and aspirations.

Plot Points

George instructs Lennie to remain silent when they arrive at the new ranch to avoid drawing attention.
The relationship between George and Lennie is protective; George often takes on a brotherly role, asserting authority for Lennie's well-being.
They left their previous location, Weed, due to an incident where Lennie unintentionally frightened a girl, leading to complications.
George emphasizes the dream of owning a ranch and tending rabbits, a recurring theme reflecting hope.

Significant Events

Lennie's desire to pet small animals leads him to keep a dead mouse, which he is scolded for.
The duo's encounter with the boss reveals suspicion surrounding George’s motives for caring for Lennie, indicating a broader mistrust.
Slim's decision to drown some of his puppies showcases harsh realities of ranch life and survival.

Themes and Motifs

The central theme revolves around dreams and the harsh reality of life; hope for a better future is common among characters.
The irony of Lennie’s last name, 'Small', contrasts with his physicality, highlighting the narrative’s use of contrasts.
Loneliness is a prevalent motif, experienced by characters like Curley's wife and Crooks who seek connection but feel isolated.

Symbolism

The dream of a ranch symbolizes hope and freedom, particularly for itinerant workers.
The dead mouse reflects Lennie's inability to understand his strength and the consequences of his actions.

Conflicts

Internal conflict: Lennie's struggle with his own limitations and understanding of the world.
External conflicts include interactions with Curley and the societal pressures of the time, showcasing struggles between characters and their environment.

Literary Devices

Use of onomatopoeia (buzz, click, rattle, grunt) adds auditory imagery to the storyline.
Verbal irony is present in characters' dialogues, enhancing complex relationships and societal observations.

Relationships

The dynamic between George and Lennie is central; George acts as a protector while struggling with his frustrations towards Lennie's behavior.
Crooks’s skepticism about George and Lennie's dream reflects the disillusionment faced by many characters.

Conclusion

The perspective is third-person omniscient, providing insights into character thoughts and feelings, enhancing emotional depth.
As the plot progresses, themes of friendship, dreams, and the quest for belonging continue to unfold.

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Description

Test your understanding of John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' with these comprehension questions. This quiz includes key descriptions of characters and important plot points, helping you grasp the intricacies of the story. Perfect for students or enthusiasts looking to deepen their comprehension skills.