Questions and Answers
What is the name of the river mentioned as a safe place in chapters 1 and 6?
What do Lennie and George consider themselves different from the other bindle-stiffs?
They have a future and each other; do not lose all their money in a barroom.
What does the repeated motif of the rabbits symbolize?
George and Lennie's dream of owning land.
When George tells Lennie the story of their 'dream', it is because Lennie is incapable of telling the story himself.
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How is Slim regarded by the other ranch hands?
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Lennie is described as a huge man with paw-like hands. What creature is he suggested to resemble?
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What does the shooting of Candy's dog foreshadow?
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Why does Crooks not ridicule George and Lennie's dream?
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What does Curley’s wife symbolize?
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What is the main reason that Curley's wife flirts with the men on the ranch?
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Who does George say are the loneliest people in the world?
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Curly's first reaction when he sees the dead body of his wife is to say he'll shoot Lennie in the _____ so he'll die painfully.
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Which man does Curley suspiciously believe might be interested in his wife?
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The author establishes what pattern with the setting? ____ , ____ , ____ , ____ , ____ , ____
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What does Lennie want?
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What does Lennie have in his pocket?
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How does Curley's wife die?
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Who steals Carlson's gun?
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What is wrong with Candy's physical appearance?
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What does Candy tell George and Lennie he regrets?
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What is the one thing George wanted Lennie to know?
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What happens that causes Lennie and George to leave Weed?
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Who finds Curley's wife first?
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Study Notes
Key Characters and Their Attributes
- Lennie Small: Described as a huge man with paw-like hands; has a childlike mentality. Enjoys simple dreams like tending rabbits.
- George Milton: Lennie's caretaker; feels responsible for him and dreams of owning land. Teases Lennie to a point but is protective.
- Slim: Respected ranch hand; observed as quiet yet wise, commands authority among other workers.
- Curley: Boss's son; characterized as small and aggressive, often picks fights with larger men.
- Curley's Wife: Feels lonely and unfulfilled, seeks attention from the ranch workers; wears red, symbolizing danger and allure.
- Candy: Aged ranch worker missing one hand; deeply regrets not taking responsibility for his dog’s death.
- Crooks: Isolated due to race; he is a stable buck with a crooked back, harbors bitterness over loneliness.
Major Themes
- Loneliness: Predominant among ranch workers; they seek companionship but often fail to connect meaningfully, as illustrated through characters like Crooks and Curley’s wife.
- The American Dream: George and Lennie's vision of owning land signifies hope but reflects the elusive nature of this dream for itinerant workers.
- Violence and Power: Foreshadowing through Candy's dog's death and Curley’s aggressive behavior suggests the fragility of dreams and relationships on the ranch.
Important Plot Points
- River Setting: The Salinas River serves as a safe haven for George and Lennie; significant locations in both the beginning and end of the story.
- Conflict and Resolution: Lennie unintentionally causes trouble, leading to crucial conflicts that escalate throughout the novel.
- Tragic Outcomes: Curley's wife's death is the climax of violence stemming from misunderstanding and isolation, ultimately leading to Lennie's fate.
Symbolism
- Rabbits: Represent Lennie and George's shared dreams of a better life; symbolizes innocence and unattainable goals.
- Candy's Dog: Signifies disposable lives of the marginalized; serves as a grim foreshadowing of Lennie's fate at the end.
- The Bunkhouse: Represents the harsh reality of itinerant workers’ lives, highlighting their transient existence and lack of personal belongings.
Quotes and Their Significance
- "Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world.": Highlights the central theme of loneliness among itinerant workers.
- Curley’s aggressive demeanor: Grounded in his insecurities; he picks fights with larger men to assert his dominance.
- Curley's wife lamenting her dreams: Reflects societal constraints on women and their unfulfilled aspirations.
Setting and Structure
- The novel follows a cyclical structure, starting and ending at the Salinas River; highlights the inescapability of their situation.
- Locations like the bunkhouse and barn serve as crucial settings where character interactions reveal deeper themes of friendship and isolation.
Key Conflicts
- Lennie vs. Society: Lennie's mental challenges prevent him from effectively navigating societal norms.
- George vs. His Own Morality: Struggles with the burden of caring for Lennie while dreaming of a different life.
- Curley's jealousy: Drives tension and ultimately leads to tragic events, highlighting the consequences of insecurity and misunderstanding.
Character Relationships
- George and Lennie's Friendship: Central to the narrative; their bond offers insight into themes of loyalty, responsibility, and the human need for connection.
- Curley's wife and the ranch hands: Represents the intersection of gender dynamics and loneliness, as she seeks validation but only earns disdain.
These notes provide a comprehensive understanding of the critical components within Of Mice and Men, touching upon character analysis, themes, and significant plot developments.
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Test your knowledge of 'Of Mice and Men' with these flashcards focusing on key terms and concepts from the novel. Ideal for students looking to reinforce their understanding of the characters and themes presented by John Steinbeck.
