The Dream
For George and Lennie, this specific type of animal was the ultimate goal for their future farm.
What are rabbits?
He is the only black man on the ranch, leading to his segregation from the other workers.
Who is Crooks?
Lennie's inability to control his strength is first shown when this happens.
What is Lennie killing a mouse?
The ranch hands eat their meals and sleep in this communal building.
What is the bunkhouse?
"An' I got you. We got each other, that's what, that gives a hoot in hell about us."
Who is George?
Candy offers to contribute this amount of money to George and Lennie's dream, from his savings and compensation for his hand.
What is $350?
This character constantly seeks attention from the ranch hands because she is neglected by her husband.
Who is Curley's wife?
George repeatedly warns Lennie to do this if he ever gets into trouble, indicating a predetermined meeting place.
What is to go hide in the brush by the river?
Ranch workers often spend their wages on this in town, leading to them being broke and needing new jobs.
What are alcohol (or prostitutes)?
"I could pet it with my thumb while we walked along."
Who is Lennie?
Curley's wife dreams of a life in this glamorous industry before marrying Curley.
What is Hollywood (or movies/acting)?
After his dog is shot, this character expresses profound loneliness, fearing he has nothing left.
Who is Candy?
The graphic shooting of Candy's old, disabled dog directly foreshadows this later tragic event involving another character.
What is Lennie's death (or George shooting Lennie)?
This item, carried by many migrant workers in this era, symbolizes their transient and rootless existence.
What are bindles?
"I ought to have shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn't ought to of let no stranger shoot my dog."
Who is Candy?
This stable buck briefly considers joining the dream farm but then changes his mind, believing it's impossible.
Who is Crooks?
Crooks states that a man "goes nuts if he ain't got nobody" and "gets sick." This is his observation about the effects of this.
What is loneliness (or isolation)?
In Weed, Lennie was accused of this, a past event that strongly predicts his later fatal interaction with Curley's wife.
What is touching a woman's dress/hair (or attempted rape)?
Threshing machines were large pieces of equipment that helped in harvesting crops on the ranch. If a worker wasn't careful while using it, it could easily do this to them.
What is injure or cut off their hand?
"You keep your eyes open. I ain't kidding. I got my eye on you. An' if you try any punches, you'll get your share of 'em."
Who is Curley?
Beyond just owning land, the dream farm represents this fundamental concept for George and Lennie that they've never truly had.
What is security (or independence, belonging, stability, a home)?
Despite always being together, George sometimes feels burdened and wishes for this, which he tells Lennie he could have without him.
What is freedom (or an easier life, peace)?
When Lennie describes the perfect future, George often uses the phrase, "Go on. Tell about..." This recurring command shows George's attempts to keep Lennie focused on the future but also hints at the fragile nature of their dream.
What is "the rabbits"?
Despite being on the ranch, the men are often denied this basic human need, leading to feelings of loneliness.
What is companionship (or family, lasting relationships)?
"A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. I tell ya a guy gets too lonely an' he gets sick."
Who is Crooks?