Questions and Answers
What did Crooks say to Lennie when Lennie came into his room?
You go on get outta my room. I ain't wanted in the bunkhouse, and you ain't wanted in my room.
Who says the following quote: 'I seen the guys that go around on ranches alone. That ain't no good.'?
What does George say about how easy his life would be without Lennie?
If I was alone, I could live so easy.
What does Crooks mean when he says, 'I seen hundreds of men come by on the road an' on the ranches'?
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What does Crooks want Lennie to realize when he asks, 'S'pose George don't come back no more'?
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What does George say about the life of guys like them who work on ranches?
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Why can't Crooks play cards with the other men?
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What does Candy say about Curley?
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What does Lennie repeatedly ask George to do?
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What does Curley's wife express to Lennie?
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What does George tell Lennie about where to hide if he gets in trouble?
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What does Slim say to George after Lennie's death?
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What does Candy say about having him since he was a pup?
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Study Notes
Loneliness and Isolation
- Crooks expresses his resentment and feelings of exclusion from the bunkhouse, highlighting the theme of loneliness faced by marginalized individuals.
- George notes that solitary migrant workers become "mean" and aggressive over time, reflecting on the destructive effects of loneliness.
- Crooks warns Lennie about the implications of George potentially abandoning him, emphasizing the depth of isolation he experiences daily.
American Dream and Companionship
- George articulates how his life would be easier without Lennie, yet acknowledges the importance of companionship that Lennie provides.
- Crooks illustrates the futility of dreams among workers when he tells Lennie many have had aspirations but never achieved them, foreshadowing the struggles of George and Lennie.
- Lennie’s recurring request for George to recount their dream of owning a piece of land symbolizes their shared hope for the American Dream and the comfort of companionship.
Racial and Social Racism
- Crooks directly addresses the reality of racism as he finds himself isolated from the other workers due to his skin color, illustrating systemic discrimination and its impact on social relationships.
- Curley's wife, limited in her conversations due to gender roles, also voices her loneliness, demonstrating the various dimensions of isolation and the barriers that prevent meaningful connections.
Themes of Responsibility and Protection
- George’s protective nature over Lennie highlights the theme of responsibility, as he often acts as a guardian to Lennie's childlike behavior.
- The symbolism of the brush as a place of safety for Lennie represents innocence and the need for a refuge amidst the chaos of their lives.
Friendship and Emotional Bonds
- The strong bond between George and Lennie exemplifies a unique friendship in the harsh life of migrant workers, contrasting with the typical solitude experienced by others.
- Slim acknowledges George’s loyalty to Lennie, reinforcing the idea that such companionship is rare among transient workers.
Foreshadowing and Symbolism
- The description of nature changing with human involvement symbolizes the loss of purity and the onset of conflict, paralleling the struggles of the characters.
- The tragic fate of Lennie is foreshadowed through Crooks's dialogue and the recurring motif of dreams, emphasizing the idea that aspirations may lead to disillusionment.
End of Dreams
- Slim comforts George after the painful decision to end Lennie's life, encapsulating themes of unconditional love and sacrifice inherent in their friendship.
- Candy's relationship with his dog serves as a parallel to George’s relationship with Lennie, emphasizing the emotional burdens of companionship and the difficult choices that arise from love.
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Description
Test your knowledge of quotes from 'Of Mice and Men'. Each flashcard presents a significant quote and its context, encouraging reflection on themes like loneliness and isolation. Perfect for understanding the characters and their relationships in the novel.
