General Plot
Where and when does OMM take place?
Soledad, California during the Great Depression (1930s)
Give three character traits (emotional) for George.
Smart, quick-tempered, cares for Lennie
Explain the conflict between Curley and Lennie in chapter 3. What type of conflict is this?
Lennie was daydreaming about the rabbits, Curley thought Lennie was laughing at him, and Curley started to hit him. Lennie ended up fighting back after George's demand and breaking Curley's fist.
Man v Man
What is Lennie's surname and what does it symbolize?
Small. He is NOT small, therefore it's an ironic symbol.
What part of "the dream" drives Lennie's behavior?
The rabbits
Who gave Lennie soft things to pet when he was young?
Aunt Clara
What is Slim's job?
jerkline skinner (mule team driver)
What is Lennie's conflict vs. society? Be specific.
Lennie vs. Weed. He touched a girl's dress, she called rape, and Lennie and George escaped town before they could be caught.
What do the rabbits symbolize?
The dream: to get out of the stuck, repetitive reality of working for little reward.
Finish this line of Lennie and George's dream: "to live _______________"
"off the fatta' the lan'"
What POV is OMM written in? What are the qualities of this POV?
Third Person Objective. No thoughts, just action.
What vocab word describes Curley? Why?
Pugnacious. He is aggressive and likes to start fights.
Explain Candy's conflict with himself.
When were the two times that Candy's dreams died?
At the death of his dog and at the death of Curley's wife.
What was Curley's job before coming to the ranch?
Boxer.
What is the true reason Curley's wife dresses and acts the way she does?
She is lonely.
Name the SIX types of conflict (including the two we didn't talk much about)
Man v Man, Man v Society, Man v Nature, Man v Self, Man v Technology, Man v Supernatural
What does the riverside symbolize?
Peace, protection, a safe haven.
What is Curley's wife's dream?
To be an actress and get out of the ranch.
What line convinces George to take Lennie's life in the end? Who said it?
"I oughta of shot that dog myself, George." -- Candy
What is Candy's greatest fear?
Being discarded like his dog.
Describe the conflict George has with himself at the end of the book? What type of conflict is this?
George has to decide whether he should put Lennie out of his misery on his own or let someone else do it. It pains him to kill his friend, but he knows that it's better if it comes from a loving place rather than someone who despises him.
Man v Self
What does Carlson symbolize?
The average farmhand. (Lonely, works for his money just to spend it all, no dreams)
What is Crooks' dream?
To be respected by others despite his skin color.