Of Mice and Men Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the setting of the novella?

California in the 1930s.

Describe George.

Small, intelligent, short-tempered but a loving and devoted friend.

Describe Lennie.

One of the least dynamic characters, loves to pet soft things, possesses incredible physical strength, and has a slight mental disability.

Describe Candy.

Old handyman, only one useful hand, has an old dog. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Curley.

Boss's son, married only two weeks and is a boxer. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Curley's wife.

Considered a troublemaker, temptress who preys on others' weaknesses. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Crooks.

Lively, sharp-witted African American stable hand with a crooked back. Signup and view all the answers

What do nearly all of the characters, including George, Lennie, Candy, Crooks, and Curley's wife, admit, at one time or another?

Each desires the comfort of a friend, but will settle for the attentive ear of a stranger. Signup and view all the answers

What do almost all of the characters in this story dream about?

Having a different life. Signup and view all the answers

How does George characterize Curley's wife?

He sees her as a troublemaker and as no good. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lennie characterize Curley's wife?

Lennie thinks she is 'purty' and George warns him to stay away from her. Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'dream' farm symbolize?

A free and peaceful life; the possibility of freedom and self-reliance. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the town from which George and Lennie are fleeing when the story opens?

Weed, California. Signup and view all the answers

What excites Lennie most about his dream life with George?

Tending to the rabbits. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Candy unable to imagine getting rid of his old dog?

Because he has had him since he was a puppy and they are each other's family. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Carlson insist on shooting Candy's dog?

Because he believes the dog is too smelly, old, and decrepit. Signup and view all the answers

What is Old Susy's place?

A cat house/whorehouse. Signup and view all the answers

Who discovers Curley's dead wife?

Candy. Signup and view all the answers

Who cared for Lennie before George?

Lennie's Aunt Clara. Signup and view all the answers

Of Mice and Men is set in which decade?

1930s. Signup and view all the answers

What does Curley's wife offer to let Lennie touch?

Her hair. Signup and view all the answers

To whom does Candy look for advice before allowing Carlson to shoot his dog?

Slim. Signup and view all the answers

How did Crooks get his name?

He has a crooked back. Signup and view all the answers

Before George meets Lennie in the woods in the final scene, what does he take?

Carlson's luger pistol. Signup and view all the answers

What does George say to Lennie before shooting him?

He tells Lennie the story of their farm. Signup and view all the answers

After killing Curley's wife, which of the following pairs does Lennie imagine appears to chastise his behavior?

Aunt Clara and a giant rabbit Signup and view all the answers

Whom do Lennie and George agree to let live on their farm?

Candy. Signup and view all the answers

Disappointed with her life, Curley's wife wonders where she would be if she had followed her dreams and become what?

A movie star. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'live off the fatta of the lan'' mean?

The men will have their own place and provide for themselves using their garden and animals. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting

The novella is set in California during the 1930s, a time marked by the Great Depression.

Character Descriptions

George: Small, intelligent, short-tempered, yet a devoted friend concerned about Lennie's well-being. His frustrations stem from the challenges of caring for Lennie while staying committed to his protection.
Lennie: Static character with incredible physical strength and a mental disability. He shows an unwavering loyalty to George and dreams of a farm life, preferring to touch soft things.
Candy: An old handyman with only one functional hand, accompanied by his old dog. Represents vulnerability and a longing for companionship.
Curley: The boss's son, recently married, characterized by his aggressive demeanor and boxing skills. His meanness escalates throughout the story.
Curley's wife: Regarded as a temptress and troublemaker, she feels trapped in her life and exploits the vulnerabilities of others.
Crooks: An African American stable hand with a crooked back, he is sharp-witted, lonely, and resentful due to mistreatment. He harbors aspirations of joining George and Lennie's dream.

Common Themes and Dreams

All major characters express a strong desire for friendship and connection, often settling for the attention of strangers.
Most characters aspire to escape their current lives and dream of a better future.

Symbolism

The "dream" farm symbolizes freedom, independence, and a sanctuary from life's hardships, offering hope for a better existence.

Plot Points

George and Lennie are fleeing from Weed, California.
Lennie is most excited about the prospect of tending rabbits on their future farm.
Candy's reluctance to part with his dog stems from their deep bond, highlighting themes of companionship.
Carlson insists on shooting Candy's dog due to its perceived uselessness, revealing attitudes towards aging and value.
Slim acts as a voice of reason, advising Candy on the fate of his dog.
Lennie inadvertently kills Curley’s wife, leading to a tragic confrontation.

Important Events

Curley’s dead wife is discovered by Candy, highlighting the tragic consequences of loneliness and desire.
Before meeting Lennie in the woods at the end, George takes Carlson's luger pistol, signifying the weight of his final decision.
In his hallucination after the incident, Lennie imagines Aunt Clara and a giant rabbit reprimanding him.
George reassures Lennie by recounting their shared dream of a farm before taking the irrevocable action of ending Lennie's life.

Life Aspirations

Curley's wife reflects on her unfulfilled dreams of becoming a movie star, underscoring the theme of lost potential.
The phrase "live off the fatta of the lan'" expresses their dream of self-sufficiency and a harmonious life away from reliance on others.

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Description

This quiz covers key concepts from John Steinbeck's novella 'Of Mice and Men'. It includes definitions of characters, setting, and themes crucial to understanding the narrative. Perfect for study and review of central themes and character dynamics.