Chapter 1
Describe the novel's setting.
A ranch in Soledad, California
Who did the boss punish because George and Lennie were late? Why?
Crooks (because of his race)
Why is Crooks jealous of Lennie's friendship with George?
He is all alone.
What does Lennie do to his puppy?
He kills it.
Where does Lennie hide?
He hides in the brush.
Name at least TWO of Lennie's childlike characteristics.
1) Lennie repeats himself 2) Lennie is forgetful 3) Lennie speaks like a child at times
Why does George answer all the questions that are directed at Lennie?
George does not want Lennie to say the wrong thing.
Why does George tell Slim about what happened in his and Lennie's previous town (Weed)?
George trusts Slim and knows they might need help later on.
What does Curley's wife ask Lennie to do?
Feel her hair.
Describe Lennie's hallucinations.
Lennie imagines his Aunt Clara and a giant rabbit. Both treat him poorly.
Why were George and Lennie run out of their previous town?
Lennie touched a girl's dress.
What does this statement mean: "Curley's pretty handy."
Curley is a fighter
Does Curley's wife know what really happened to Curley's hand? If so, how does she find out AND how does react?
Yes, she knows. She sees bruises on Lennie's face and Curley's injured hand. She is glad that it happened.
Who kills Curley's wife? Describe how this happens.
Lennie kills her. He breaks her neck after trying to stop her from making any noise.
Which previous death parallels Lennie's death? Explain how. Also, what is the ONE difference between the deaths that we discussed?
Candy's dog. Both are killed "for their own good." The one difference is that Candy lets Carlson kill his companion, while George kills Lennie himself.
What "escape plan" does George describe to Lennie?
Hide in the brush.
What excuse does George give for Lennie's mental disability?
He was kicked in the head by a horse when he was younger.
There are two characters that are interested in joining in on George and Lennie's dream. Who are they?
Candy and Crooks
Whom does Candy blame for the murder of Curley's wife? Why is he so angry?
Candy blames Curley's wife herself. He is angry because this ruins his chance of joining in on George and Lennie's dream.
Why does George kill Lennie? Explain in depth.
George kills Lennie to save him from either 1) being beaten/killed/harassed by Curley or 2) being locked away. George also ensures that Lennie's death is as peaceful as it can be.
What is the meaning of the following phrase: "An live off the fatta the lan?"
George and Lennie will make a living off of their own land (crops, etc.)
What does the boss think about George and Lennie traveling together?
He accuses George of stealing Lennie's money.
Where are George and Lennie ORIGINALLY from?
Auburn, Alabama
How does George manipulate the scene of the crime?
Explain in detail how George kills Lennie AND the aftermath (who comes up afterwards, what George tells them happened, who comforts George, etc).
George has Lennie turn around to face the water and shoots him in the back of the head. George helps Lennie think of the rabbits and the farm. Afterward, the rest of the guys come up and George says that Lennie had stolen Carlson's gun. Slim comforts George and tells him that it had to be done.