Devices
These are symbolic of the American dream.
What are rabbits?
This character wants to own his own piece of land and be his own boss.
Who is George?
This character is threatened by Lennie's size and the fact that Lennie doesn't answer one of his questions.
Who is Curley?
What is racial?
"Sure, we will... we'll have red, and blue, and green rabbits...."
Who is George?
The imagery of this color is emphasized in the descriptions of Curley's wife and seems to foreshadow danger based on the events of Chapter 2.
What is red?
Lennie wants to share in George's dream by having this responsibility.
What is tending the rabbits?
This character is unhappy with the smell in the bunkhouse and suggests Candy should shoot his dog.
Who is Carlson?
That fact that Curley's wife is referred to only as Curley's wife refers to this thematic idea.
What is sexism?
"Well...tell you what. Curley's like a lot of little guys. He hates big guys..."
Who is Candy?
Steinbeck uses the description of the setting with details such as "warm" and "twinkling" water in the sunlight and "golden foothill slopes" to capture that California was viewed as this.
What is the Promised Land?
This character eventually joins George and Lennie in their pursuit of the dream.
Who is Candy?
This character is told to give Candy one of his puppies to resolve a problem the men have with Candy's old dog.
Who is Slim?
The fact that the boss and Curley wear high-heeled boots provides evidence of this thematic idea.
What is discrimination based on social class?
This character said, "She's purty."
Who is Lennie?
This detail of the setting discovered by George in the bunkhouse points to unsanitary living conditions.
What is insecticide or bug killer?
Lennie can't stop staring at this person, which poses a threat to the dream.
Who is Curley's wife?
George gets upset with Lennie for being upset that they don't have any of this to go with their beans.
What is ketchup?
The rabbit that scurries away as George and Lennie approach is a symbol related to this thematic idea.
What is the American Dream?
This character says, "Hi, Good-lookin'."
Who is Slim?
These two animals foreshadow the threats George and Lennie will face at the ranch.
What are the dog and coyote?
This person used to give Lennie mice to hold and pet which inspires his current dream.
Who is Aunt Clara ?
George tells Lennie to do this if he gets in trouble.
What is "hide in the brush" or return to the designated safe spot at the river?
When George talks about what makes George and Lennie different, this thematic idea is developed.
What is companionship or friendship?
Who is the boss?