Characters
Conflict
Plot
Central Ideas
George and Lennie
100

Who is the ranch hand who is not allowed to sleep in the bunkhouse? Why

Crooks- because of the color of his skin

100

Who does Curley try to fight?

Lennie

100

Why does Candy let Carlson shoot his dog?

Candy knows that his dog will only suffer if he lives.

100

What does Of Mice and Men teach readers about "friendship"? 

Write a central idea for the topic of friendship.

Friendship can help people get through difficult times. 

Friendship requires trust and loyalty. 

100

How is George and Lennie's relationship best described?

Botherly. They look out for one another

200

Who is the ranch hand who drowns the puppies?

Slim

200

How does Lennie react when Curley punches him.

He does nothing at first. Takes the hits.

200

How does Curley's wife treat Crooks?

She is racist. She is very cruel to Crooks. 

200

Having dreams is an important idea in the novella. Why is it calming for Lennie to think about his "Dream future"?

It is calming to think of a peaceful life with George and animals on a land where they will not be bothered by others. 

200

Why does George tell Lennie about their future "American Dream"? (with the farm and the rabbits)

It calms Lennie to think of the future in this way

300

After the fight between Curley and Lennie, how does Lennie react?

Lennie is upset

300

Why does Crooks initially get mad when Lennie comes in his room? 

He thinks that Lennie is there to tease him. When he realizes that Lennie just wants company, he allows him in. 

300

Why does Curley pick a fight with Lennie?

He thinks Lennie is "weak minded" and physically weak as well. 

300

Why are mice and the puppy important to Lennie?

Lennie likes to pet soft things for comfort, but doesn’t realize how strong he truly is.

300

Why does George continue to "watch over" Lennie even though he gets into trouble? 

Lennie's Aunt Clara asked George to take care of Lennie.

George feels responsible for Lennie's well-being. 

400

Why does Curley's wife always come to the barn to talk to the men?

She's lonely 

400

Why does Lennie kill Curley's wife?

She yells for help when Lennie won't let go of her hair. Lennie does not want her to yell because he knows he will get in trouble. 

400

Why did George not allow Lennie to talk to the boss (when they first came to town)?

He was afraid the boss would notice that Lennie is different and not hire them.

400

What is the author's message about loneliness?

People can become lonely when they are isolated from others. 

400

Why does George tell Slim the story about Lennie jumping in the river?

To show that Lennie does EVERYTHING George says, without question

500

What do Lennie, Crooks, and Curley's wife have in common?

They are all treated differently? 

500

Why does Lennie kill the puppy?

It tried to "bite him" and he hit it on the head to discipline it. 

500

What does Lennie do after he kills Curley's wife?

He runs to the brush and waits for George. 

500

What does the author reveal about injustice/ unfairness? 

The world is filled with injustice because of racial or discriminatory people. 

500

Why does George kill Lennie?

Lennie would have suffered a cruel death if Curley found him first. Lennie cannot live alone.