VOCAB
What word means to think deeply or carefully about something?
Contemplate
He’s small, quick, and sharp-witted. He often looks out for his friend.
George
What state does Of Mice and Men take place in?
California
What happened in Weed that forced George and Lennie to leave?
Lennie grabbed a woman’s dress because he liked the fabric, scared her, and she accused him of assault.
What word means twisted or bent out of shape?
Contorted.
What word describes loose natural material, such as bits of wood or trash scattered about?
Debris
She’s lonely, flirty, and dreams of a different life.
Curley’s wife
What region of California is the story set in?
Salinas/Salinas Valley
How do Lennie and Candy’s dog die, and what’s similar about their deaths?
Both are shot in the back of the head to end suffering.
Who kills Lennie at the end of the story, and why?
George, to protect Lennie from a worse fate (the mob or prison).
What word means lying down, especially in a position of comfort or rest?
Recumbent
He’s aggressive and insecure, picking fights. Pugnacious.
Curley
During what decade does the story take place?
The 1930s (Great Depression)
At the beginning of the story, George tells Lennie to do what if he ever gets in trouble?
To hide in the brush near the river until George comes for him.
Who tells George that Lennie probably did not suffer when he died?
Slim.
What word means a point of time, especially one made important by circumstances or events?
Juncture
He’s old and disabled, worried about being useless after losing his hand.
Candy
Where do George and Lennie work?
On a ranch/farm
Who owned the gun that was used to kill Lennie, and when was it first mentioned?
Carlson owned it; it was first mentioned when he used it to shoot Candy’s dog.
This character hides his loneliness behind sarcasm and defensiveness; he keeps his room neat and lives alone because of segregation.
Crooks
Which word means quick to fight or argue; aggressive?
Pugnacious
He’s the respected worker on the ranch — fair, wise, and confident.
Slim
From what town did George and Lennie have to run away?
Weed
List the times Lennie accidentally hurt or scared someone before Curley’s wife’s death. (4 examples)
Killed mice, grabbed a girl’s dress in Weed, crushed Curley’s hand, killed a puppy.
What dream or goal are George and Lennie striving for throughout the story?
To own a piece of land (a small farm) where they can live freely and “live off the fatta the lan’.”