Oh, Lennie
What unusual item does Lennie have in his pocket in Chapter 1?
A dead mouse.
How does Candy's reaction to Carlson shooting Candy's dog affect George?
At the end of the novel, George realizes Lennie is HIS responsibility.
Just because I'm short and can't keep tabs on my life doesn't mean... HEY, what are you looking at? Wanna fight?
Curley
What does George tell Lennie to do if something goes wrong at the ranch?
Return to the clearing and wait for him (George).
What is the setting of the novella?
Salinas, California during/right after the Great Depression
Which animal does Lennie hope to tend when he and George get their farm?
Rabbits.
George gets mad at Lennie and yells at him, but then he apologizes and tells Lennie about their dream. Lennie is comforted by talking about the dream.
All I want to do is play some poker, but am I allowed? No. Hey! Who do you think you are coming into my room? This is my room! This is my - no, actually, can you stay? It gets lonely out here. Also, has anyone seen my ointment?
Crooks.
While standing in the barn looking at the dead body of Curley's wife, what question does Candy ask George? Who does he blame for not being able to buy the farm?
Candy asks George if the two of them could still "go in" together on their own farm.
Why does George stay with Lennie?
Answers may vary.
What does Steinbeck compare Lennie to REPEATEDLY throughout the novella?
Animals
Bear, dog (terrier), sheep, horse
Candy tells George and Lennie that Curley is a fighter. Curley also gives Lennie attitude right after meeting him.
Well hello there, handsome. Let me tell you about how I was almost an actress. You say you like silk and velvet, do you? Here, why don't you run your strong hands through my soft hair. Hey, don't pull! Don't - .....
Curley's Wife.
Which ranch worker wants to "go in" with Lennie and George on the farm?
Candy.
Explain the dynamics between POWER and STRENGTH in the novella.
Answers may vary.
Lennie kills three living things throughout the course of the novel. What are they?
What do these events tell us about Lennie?
A mouse, a puppy, and Curley's wife.
George tells Lennie something in the first chapter when the two men are sleeping at the pond that foreshadows the end of the novella. What is it?
George tells him to meet at the pond if Lennie gets into serious trouble.
Everyone's so sensitive around here. You had to shoot your best friend in the back of the head.... so what? Big deal. I shot Candy's dog in the back of the head and you don't see me moping around.
Carlson
What lie does George tell the ranch boss about why he and Lennie travel together?
He says they are cousins and that he takes care of Lennie because he was kicked in the head by a horse when he was younger.
Describe Curley's wife.
Pretty, wears lots of makeup, wants to be an actress, married Curley to spite her mother, ...
In his younger years, George was cruel to Lennie. What event caused him to change his mind?
George told Lennie to jump into a river even though Lennie couldn't swim. When George pulled Lennie from the river, Lennie thanked him for saving his life.
He stares at her and tells George she is pretty. George warns Lennie to avoid her.
I don't say very much, but when I do people listen. I can drive a mule like nobody's business. What's that you ask? Where's your wife? Don't look at me, man! I don't know!
Slim.
The ranch represents the American Dream. The men are not able to attain their dream even though they do work hard for it. Crooks predicts this earlier in the novella.
Describe the following characters:
1. Curley
2. Candy
3. Crooks
4. Carlson
5. Slim
100 points per correct character.