Chapter 1: Setting & Characters
Where do George and Lennie stop to rest at the beginning of the novel?
Salinas River
Who is the boss’s son, and what is one important characteristic of him?
Curley and he is a boxer
What does George tell Slim about Lennie’s behavior in Weed and why did Lennie do it?
Lennie touched the womans dress because it was soft and he likes to touch soft things. The woman got scared and screamed. She told people and they wanted to harm Lennie
Why does Crooks live separately from the other ranch hands?
Racial segregation - He is black and can't live with the white people.
Why is the dream of the farm important beyond simply owning land?
Freedom/security
What important instruction does George give Lennie about the place by the river?
Return there if there's trouble [in the brush]
Why does Curley immediately dislike Lennie?
Because Lennie is big. Curley is small. He also sees Lennie as a easy target
What does Candy offer to contribute to George and Lennie’s farm dream?
His savings/money
Why does Lennie visit Crooks?
He saw his light on when he went to pet his dog. Everyone else went into town. [except: Candy & Curley's Wife]
What can readers infer about George’s relationship with Lennie from George’s actions?
George cares for Lennie
What does George reveal about the way he used to treat Lennie?
George used to mistreat/tease Lennie
What does Slim’s position on the ranch tell us about his character?
Slim is respected/authoritative
Why does Curley attack Lennie?
Curley attacks Lennie because he mistakenly believes Lennie is laughing and mocking him
Why does Crooks initially try to make Lennie understand what loneliness feels like?
Crooks is lonely
How does Curley’s behavior create conflict on the ranch?
Creates tension/conflict - people are afraid of speaking to curley's wife. They are also afraid they're going to get fired.
Why do George and Lennie have to leave Weed?
Weed incident- George touched the womans dress
What does Candy’s old dog reveal about Candy’s situation?
Candy is lonely/attached
How does George tell Lennie to respond when Curley attacks him?
George tells Lennie to fight
What makes Crooks briefly consider joining George, Lennie, and Candy on the farm?
Dream offers belonging
How are Candy and Crooks similar in Chapters 3 and 4?
Both are isolated
What does Lennie repeatedly ask George to tell him?
About their dream of owning a ranch and Lennie tending to the rabbits.
Why does George warn Lennie not to talk when they first meet the boss?
Protect Lennie from the boss.He is also afraid that Lennie is going to say the wrong thing and get them "canned".
What does the discussion of the farm reveal about George, Lennie, and Candy?
Dream = hope/security/belonging [ "American Dream"]
What causes Crooks to withdraw his interest in joining the farm dream?
Curley’s wife threatens him
What larger idea about dreams does Steinbeck develop through Chapters 1–4?
Dreams provide hope but face obstacles