Of Mice and Men Study Guide Chapter 1

Questions and Answers

What is the setting of the novel?

The setting of the novel takes place in Soledad, California by the Salinas River.

Describe the atmosphere that is created by the imagery in the first two paragraphs of the novel.

The atmosphere seems very quiet, peaceful, and beautiful.

List words to describe Lennie.

Lennie is a huge man, shapeless of face, with large and pale eyes, and wide sloping shoulders.

List words to describe George.

George was small and quick, with a dark face, restless eyes, and sharp features. Signup and view all the answers

To what animals is Lennie compared in Chapter 1? What do the comparisons imply about him?

Lennie is compared to a bear, a horse, and a dog. Signup and view all the answers

Why were George and Lennie run out of Weed?

Lennie wanted to touch a girl and held her tight, which made her feel threatened. Signup and view all the answers

What things does Lennie do and say that make him like a child?

Lennie talks with poor grammar, exaggerates, and shows emotional extremes. Signup and view all the answers

Does George really want Lennie to go away? Explain your answer.

No, George does not mean it when he says he wants Lennie to go away. Signup and view all the answers

What is the meaning of the phrase, 'An' live off the fatta the lan' '?

The phrase means to dream of making a living from working the land. Signup and view all the answers

Where does George tell Lennie to hide if he gets into trouble? What literary device is being used here?

George tells Lennie to hide in the brush by the river. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lennie have hidden in his hand, and why does he want to keep it?

Lennie is hiding a mouse in his hand. Signup and view all the answers

Who was the lady who used to give mice to Lennie? Why did she stop?

The lady was Aunt Clara, and she stopped giving him mice because he always killed them. Signup and view all the answers

How does George react when Lennie repeatedly says that he likes ketchup on his beans? Why does George react this way?

George reacts by being smart with him, saying 'Well, we ain't got no ketchup.' Signup and view all the answers

Does Lennie get into trouble on purpose? Explain.

No, Lennie doesn’t get in trouble on purpose. Signup and view all the answers

Define exposition and explain the relevance of this term to Chapter 1.

Exposition is an introduction to the plot, setting, and characters. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Atmosphere

The novel is set in Soledad, California by the Salinas River, characterized by warm water and yellow sands in sunlight.
Imagery in the opening paragraphs creates a quiet, peaceful, and beautiful atmosphere.

Character Descriptions

Lennie: Described as huge, shapeless of face, with large pale eyes and wide sloping shoulders.
George: Portrayed as small and quick, with a dark face, restless eyes, sharp features, and a bony nose.

Animal Comparisons

Lennie is compared to a bear, indicating his large size.
He is likened to a horse for drinking from the river, implying a lack of awareness about contamination.
Lennie resembles a dog in behavior, hesitant like a terrier unsure about fetching a ball.

Background and Actions

George and Lennie fled Weed because Lennie scared a girl by holding her tightly and refusing to let go.
Lennie's childlike qualities include poor grammar, exaggeration, and emotional swings between happiness and sadness.

Relationship Dynamics

Although George expresses a desire for Lennie to leave, he becomes upset at the thought, indicating affection and a bond despite challenges.

Dreams and Goals

The phrase "An' live off the fatta the lan'" represents the aspiration to live sustainably and prosperously through farming.

Foreshadowing and Precautions

George instructs Lennie to hide in the brush by the river if trouble arises, utilizing foreshadowing for future events.

Lennie's Innocence

Lennie hides a mouse in his hand due to a lack of knowledge about proper care; it reflects his innocent and simplistic nature.
Aunt Clara, Lennie's deceased caregiver, used to provide him mice but stopped because he would unintentionally kill them.

Conflict and Desire

When Lennie frequently mentions ketchup for his beans, George responds sharply due to frustration over past incidents, such as the trouble with the girl.
Lennie also desires the mouse, showcasing his longing for comfort and companionship.

Intentions and Consequences

Lennie's actions are not intentional; he seeks innocent interactions, such as feeling a dress similarly to touching a mouse.

Exposition Importance

The exposition serves to introduce the plot, setting, and characters, setting the groundwork for the story's development and thematic exploration.

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Description

This quiz focuses on the key elements of setting and atmosphere in Chapter 1 of 'Of Mice and Men.' Explore the descriptions and imagery that establish the novel's context. Use flashcards to reinforce your understanding of the text's nuances.