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.
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Describe Curley.
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Describe Curley's wife.
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Describe Crooks.
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What do nearly all of the characters, including George, Lennie, Candy, Crooks, and Curley's wife, admit, at one time or another?
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What do almost all of the characters in this story dream about?
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How does George characterize Curley's wife?
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How does Lennie characterize Curley's wife?
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What does the 'dream' farm symbolize?
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What is the name of the town from which George and Lennie are fleeing when the story opens?
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What excites Lennie most about his dream life with George?
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Why is Candy unable to imagine getting rid of his old dog?
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Why does Carlson insist on shooting Candy's dog?
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What is Old Susy's place?
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Who discovers Curley's dead wife?
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Who cared for Lennie before George?
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Of Mice and Men is set in which decade?
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What does Curley's wife offer to let Lennie touch?
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To whom does Candy look for advice before allowing Carlson to shoot his dog?
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How did Crooks get his name?
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Before George meets Lennie in the woods in the final scene, what does he take?
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What does George say to Lennie before shooting him?
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After killing Curley's wife, which of the following pairs does Lennie imagine appears to chastise his behavior?
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Whom do Lennie and George agree to let live on their farm?
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Disappointed with her life, Curley's wife wonders where she would be if she had followed her dreams and become what?
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What does 'live off the fatta of the lan'' mean?
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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.