First Impressions
What impression does Curley’s wife make on George when she first appears in the doorway?
George thinks nothing good can come from her. Looks down on her for being promiscuous. Calls her “a tart” and says, “I seen ’em poison before.”
What building do George and Lennie go to first when they arrive at the ranch?
The bunkhouse where workers sleep
Does George act more protective or controlling of Lennie?
defend your answer
What detail about the bunkhouse reflects the life of 1930s migrant workers?
They have very few belongings and shared rough living spaces.
Why does George speak for Lennie and get mad when he "forgets" important information.
George wants to protect him and keep them both employed.
How does Lennie react to Curley during their first meeting?
He becomes nervous, avoids eye contact, and looks to George for help.
What job do George and Lennie get assigned at the ranch?
They are assigned to work with Slim’s team of mules
Which character has the strongest presence in Chapter 2?
defend your answer
Why does the Boss suspect George of using Lennie?
He might be taking advantage of Lennie's disability to make more money for himself since times are tough in Great Depression.
Why is Curley aggressive toward Lennie?
He dislikes bigger + stronger men and tries to assert dominance. Napoleon Complex.
Who has the most power out of all the ranchers (not including Curley because he is bosses son)
Slim- "His authority was so great"- "gravity in his manner"
What story does George tell the Boss about why they travel together?
He lies and says they are cousins, and that George promised Lennie’s mother he would look after him.
In your opinion, is the ranch a safe place for George and Lennie?
What does Curley’s wife’s introduction show about how women were viewed in 1930s?
She has no name (personal identity not important) and is treated as a possession. She is disregarded.
Why might Curley’s wife wander around the ranch talking to the men?
She is lonely, isolated, and seeking attention.
How is Curley described?
His boxing background and attitude make him quick to pick a fight. He is short and has a lot of anger. He can get away with a lot because he is the bosses son.
What events in Chapter 2 set up future problems for Lennie?
Curley’s aggression and Curley’s wife’s flirtatious behavior.
How is Curley's leadership different from Slim's leadership?
Curley uses fear and his position to get others to "respect" him and listen to what he does (demanding). He is short tempered. Slim is calm, respectful, and looks at character.
Describe the sentiment towards black people during this time (refraining from using curse words)
Inferior, the black ranch hand is not given a name, calling him n-word, but those that work with him give him credit and recognition since they know him well. Society still has labels/ stigmas surrounding black people.
Why was the old man reassured after George criticized Curley (page 27)
He felt safe because he realized that George and himself are on the same page (against Curely), and extra 100 points if group says that the old man had something over George's head (he wouldn't rat on him because he also said something bad)
Like testing the waters
What impression does the initial reaction to George and Lennie traveling together create about social norms among ranch workers?
It shows that companionship is unusual and suspicious in their world. “I never seen one guy take so much trouble for another guy.”
Give a brief overall summary of the events of Chapter 2 like you are the teacher. List 5 main events thats happen. Bonus 300 points if the student comes to the front of the class!!!!
1. Lennie and George get to farm site
2. They meet old swamper (Candy) who gives an overview of what goes on at the farm
3. The boss comes in and questions George about why he is speaking for Lennie (worried about him stealing money from him)
4. George and Lennie meet bosses son Curley, who picks fights and has Napoleon Complex
5. George and Lennie meet Curley's wife, who is seen as promiscuous. Lennie has taken an interest in her
Side notes- Slim drowns extra puppies that his dog had. The ranchers agree the old dog should be put down.
How does the treatment of the old man's dog show what society values? Relate this to Lennie.
Shows that society values functionality/ purpose/ aesthetics. An old dog who looks disheveled has outlived its purpose and others want to put the dog down. During this time period, Lennie is seen as a burden by others (other than George) and some people may think he is better off dead.
Why is Candy still working even though he is old and injured?
In the 1930s, disabled or elderly workers had few safety nets. “He scratched the stump of his wrist nervously.”
Why does Slim drown the puppies? What does this say about what is valued?
Shows that society values usefulness. The puppies did not benefit Slim, so he drowned them. Bonus 200 points if group mention lack of morality about the way they were killed (not wasting a bullet for a quick kill)