Characters
Who is Lennie?
This large, strong man has a mental disability and dreams of tending rabbits on a farm
Who said “A guy needs somebody to be near him.”?
Crooks
How does the novel show loneliness?
Many characters are alone, like Crooks and Curley’s wife. George and Lennie’s friendship is rare.
What is a man vs. man conflict in the story?
Curley fights Lennie because he wants to show he’s tough.
Why do George and Lennie arrive at the ranch?
They are looking for work so they can save money to buy a farm.
Who is George?
This small, intelligent man looks after Lennie and shares his dream of owning a farm
Who said “Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin them two guys?”?
Carlson
What does the novel say about the American Dream?
It shows the dream is hard to reach. George and Lennie hope for land, but it never happens.
How does the story show conflict with society?
Crooks is treated unfairly because of his race, showing racism in society.
What happens when Curley fights Lennie?
Lennie crushes Curley’s hand because George tells him to fight back.
Who is Candy?
This old ranch worker has a missing hand and offers his life savings to join George and Lennie’s dream
Who said “Tell me about the rabbits, George.”?
Lennie
Who has power and who doesn’t?
Curley has power because of his status. Crooks and Candy have less power because of race and age.
What is George’s inner conflict?
He loves Lennie but knows Lennie causes trouble. He struggles with doing what’s right.
How does Candy get involved in George and Lennie’s dream?
He offers his savings to help them buy the land and join them.
Who is Crooks?
This character is the only Black worker on the ranch and lives alone in the stable
Who said “I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn't ought to of let no stranger shoot my dog.”
Candy
Are the characters in control of their lives?
Not really. George and Lennie try, but bad luck and society stop them.
How does nature cause problems in the story?
The harsh life during the Great Depression makes it hard for the men to survive.
What happens between Lennie and Curley’s wife?
Lennie accidentally kills her while trying to quiet her when she screams.
Who is Curley’s wife?
This lonely woman is the wife of Curley and is not given a name in the novella
Who said “We’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an’ a cow and some pigs.”
George
How is discrimination shown in the book?
Crooks is treated badly because he’s Black. Curley’s wife is judged because she’s a woman.
How is Lennie’s conflict with fate shown?
Lennie can’t control his strength or actions, and this leads to his tragic end.
Why does George kill Lennie at the end?
George kills Lennie himself to save him from being killed painfully by the others.