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 do with the water that makes him proud of himself?
What does Lennie do with the water that makes him proud of himself?
What does Lennie not have in his pocket?
What does Lennie not have in his pocket?
Why does Lennie not have it in his pocket?
Why does Lennie not have it in his pocket?
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?
What did Lennie want to do with the dead mouse?
What did Lennie want to do with the dead mouse?
Where are George and Lennie going?
Where are George and Lennie going?
From where are George and Lennie coming?
From where are George and Lennie coming?
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?
Why did George and Lennie leave the last place they were at?
Why did George and Lennie leave the last place they were at?
When Lennie goes out to get wood for a fire, what does he bring back that George takes away?
When Lennie goes out to get wood for a fire, what does he bring back that George takes away?
Who used to give Lennie mice?
Who used to give Lennie mice?
Why did she stop giving Lennie mice?
Why did she stop giving Lennie mice?
What does Lennie want with his dinner that they don't have?
What does Lennie want with his dinner that they don't have?
What does George imply happened in Weed with the girl?
What does George imply happened in Weed with the girl?
What dream do George and Lennie share?
What dream do George and Lennie share?
Where does George tell Lennie to go if he gets in trouble?
Where does George tell Lennie to go if he gets in trouble?
Explain the relationship between George and Lennie based on Chapter 1.
Explain the relationship between George and Lennie based on Chapter 1.
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?
What does George find in the box by his bed and what does he assume?
What does George find in the box by his bed and what does he assume?
Describe the 'stable buck'. What physical attributes does he have, and what does the boss use him for?
Describe the 'stable buck'. What physical attributes does he have, and what does the boss use him for?
Describe the fight between the 'stable buck' and Smitty.
Describe the fight between the 'stable buck' and Smitty.
What is Lennie's last name?
What is Lennie's last name?
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?
What reason does George give for taking care of Lennie?
What reason does George give for taking care of Lennie?
What is George's last name?
What is George's last name?
Who is Curley?
Who is Curley?
What does the swamper tell George about Curley's left hand?
What does the swamper tell George about Curley's left hand?
Describe Curley's wife.
Describe Curley's wife.
Why does she come into the bunkhouse?
Why does she come into the bunkhouse?
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?
What did Slim do to four of his pups? Why?
What did Slim do to four of his pups? Why?
What does Lennie want George to ask Slim?
What does Lennie want George to ask Slim?
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.
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.
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?
What are two books that Crooks owns?
What are two books that Crooks owns?
How does Crooks react to Lennie when he comes to visit?
How does Crooks react to Lennie when he comes to visit?
For what reason did Lennie come to the barn?
For what reason did Lennie come to the barn?
Where is George?
Where is George?
What do we learn about Crooks' family?
What do we learn about Crooks' family?
What does Lennie tell Crooks, even though he probably shouldn't have?
What does Lennie tell Crooks, even though he probably shouldn't have?
What is Crooks' opinion of George and Lennie's desire to get land?
What is Crooks' opinion of George and Lennie's desire to get land?
About what did Candy want to talk to Lennie?
About what did Candy want to talk to Lennie?
Where is George's money going according to Crooks?
Where is George's money going according to Crooks?
What day and time is it at the beginning of chapter 5?
What day and time is it at the beginning of chapter 5?
What is Lennie doing in the barn by himself?
What is Lennie doing in the barn by himself?
Why does Lennie think that he might not get to tend the rabbits?
Why does Lennie think that he might not get to tend the rabbits?
Who visits Lennie in the barn?
Who visits Lennie in the barn?
According to Curley's wife, why isn't anyone going to leave the horseshoe tournament?
According to Curley's wife, why isn't anyone going to leave the horseshoe tournament?
According to Curley's wife, how come she didn't get into show business?
According to Curley's wife, how come she didn't get into show business?
What can we infer is the reason Curley's wife married Curley?
What can we infer is the reason Curley's wife married Curley?
What plan does Lennie have to avoid getting in trouble?
What plan does Lennie have to avoid getting in trouble?
What did Lennie lose that he wishes he had now?
What did Lennie lose that he wishes he had now?
What is the setting of the novel?
What is the setting of the novel?
From what point of view is the story told?
From what point of view is the story told?
What is an example of something ironic from this chapter?
What is an example of something ironic from this chapter?
What is the theme of the novel so far?
What is the theme of the novel so far?
What is an example of an onomatopoeia?
What is an example of an onomatopoeia?
What are the different types of external conflicts?
What are the different types of external conflicts?
What is an internal conflict?
What is an internal conflict?
What is an example of verbal irony?
What is an example of verbal irony?
Who is/are the protagonist(s)?
Who is/are the protagonist(s)?
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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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.
