Of Mice and Men - Part 5 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How is Lennie's treatment of his dead puppy typical of his character?

Lennie is typically kind and caring toward anything soft, dead or alive. He pets things too hard due to his very strong hands.

In what ways is Curley's wife also a dreamer? Is her dream any more realistic than George and Lennie's?

She dreams of Hollywood, being a star, and living in a fine house. No, she sticks with Curley and therefore her dreams are stuck with what he does.

How does Curley's wife feel about Curley?

She doesn't like him because he doesn't treat her well and doesn't let her talk to anyone.

How does she entice Lennie into touching her?

She tells Lennie her hair is really soft. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lennie attack her? Briefly outline the circumstances.

Curley's wife screams when he touches her hair and wouldn't let go. Lennie breaks her neck when he shakes her too hard to stop her screaming. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lennie react to what he has done?

He believes they won't have a farm and he won't be able to tend the rabbits. Signup and view all the answers

Compare the reactions of Curley and Slim to the murder.

The reactions of Curley and Slim to the death of Curley's wife were the same. They both freaked out and wanted to kill Lennie. Slim knew that if they killed Lennie, it would be more merciful than letting anything else happen. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lennie's Character and Actions

Lennie demonstrates kindness and care, especially towards soft creatures, reflecting his gentle nature.
His strength leads to unintended harm; he pets soft things too hard because of his powerful hands.
The death of his puppy symbolizes his struggle with control over his strength and emotional state.

Curley's Wife as a Dreamer

Curley's wife aspires to be a Hollywood star, fantasizing about a glamorous life.
Her dreams remain unfulfilled as she is confined to her marriage with Curley, limiting her aspirations.
Unlike George and Lennie's dreams of owning a farm, her dream feels equally unattainable due to her circumstances.

Curley's Wife's Feelings Toward Curley

She harbors resentment towards Curley for his poor treatment and lack of communication.
The isolation imposed by her marriage fuels her loneliness and desire for connection, which she seeks with others on the ranch.

Enticement of Lennie

She uses the allure of her soft hair to engage Lennie, highlighting her desire for attention and companionship.
This moment reflects both Lennie's innocence and the tragic consequences of their interactions.

Circumstances of Lennie's Attack

The situation escalates when Curley's wife, frightened by Lennie's touch, screams and struggles to break free.
Lennie's attempt to calm her inadvertently results in her neck being broken, showcasing the tragic misunderstanding of his strength.

Lennie's Reaction Post-Incident

Following the incident, Lennie's primary concern shifts to the loss of his dreams, particularly the farm and tending to the rabbits.
His reaction indicates a deep sense of confusion and remorse, emphasizing his inability to grasp the severity of his actions.

Reactions to the Murder

Both Curley and Slim react with panic and a desire for revenge against Lennie after Curley’s wife is killed.
Slim recognizes the complexity of the situation, suggesting that killing Lennie might be a more humane option than allowing him to face a harsher fate.

Description

Explore key concepts from Part 5 of 'Of Mice and Men' through these flashcards. This quiz focuses on the characters, their dreams, and significant developments in the storyline. Test your understanding of Lennie and Curley's wife's motivations and actions.