Ranch Conflicts & Climax
Isolation & Dreams
Comparative Plots
Comparative Themes
200

What happens to Lennie's puppy, and why Lennie is angry with it.

It died because Lennie handled it too roughly.

200

The meaning of the phrase "live off the fatta the lan'."

Having independence and enjoying the fruits of one's labor

200

How desired drive the plots in both Of Mice and Men and "The Necklace".

Both characters' desires lead them to make choices that create serious problems.

200

The overarching theme developed across Of Mice and Men, "The Necklace", and "Marigolds".

The consequences of unrealistic dreams

400

The nature of the unusual hallucination Lennie experiences near the brush

He sees Aunt Clara and a big rabbit scolding him

400

Why Crooks has accumulated more personal items than the other ranch hands.

He lives alone and has his own space

400

A comparison of the central conflicts in Of Mice and Men and "The Necklace".

Both show characters whose desired contribute to difficult consequences. 

400

The primary similarity between Lizabeth destroying marigolds and Lennie's destructive actions.

Their actions are influenced by emotions they do not fully understand.

600

The advice Slim gives when George asks about trying to catch Lennie instead of killing him.

Kill Lennie himself before the mob finds him.

600

Why Crooks is jealous of Lennie's friendship with George.

He desired companionship and inclusion.

600

The core difference between Mathilde's dream and George & Lonnie's dream.

Mathilde's is about social status, while George/Lennie's is about independence and security.
600

The theme developed in both Of Mice and Men and "Marigolds".

Difficult circumstances can force people to confront the realities of life.

800

Why Lennie cannot be allowed to escape and live on his own.

He depends on George for survival.

800

The response Crooks gives when Lennie asks why he isn't wanted in the bunkhouse.

He says he is not wanted because he is Black.

800

How the endings of Of Mice and Men and "The Necklace" contribute to their themes.

Both reveal consequences that change the reader's understanding of the choices made.

800

What Lizabeth and Lennie causing unintended harm suggests about human behavior.

People's actions can have consequences that are greater than they expect.