Of Mice and Men s6

Mrs. Cantie, 11-14 Of Mice and Men

Discussion Questions: Please answer all parts on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Explain the dynamics of George and Lennie’s relationship. Explain why it could thematically be considered interdependency? What does George gain from Lennie?

2. What does the opening setting represent? Explain why the ranch is a microcosm (world in miniature form) of American society in the 1930’s. Compare the two places.

3. Describe Lennie’s fascination with mice, and then compare that to his trouble in Weed. What would be the present day implications of his actions?

4. Explain why Lennie is characterized like a child. Next, demonstrate how Lennie does display his ability for understanding, or more still, his craftiness.

5. Explain Candy’s relationship with his dog. What similarities exist between George and Lennie?

6. How could Carlson be viewed as lacking compassion? What is Candy’s deepest regret? What does he personally fear about becoming old and lame?

7. Why is Curley an antagonist? Explain his motivation for harassing the ranchers, especially Lennie.

8. Discuss how Steinbeck uses animal imagery to describe Lennie as both a bear, then a lamb. Discuss several ways that Lennie is compared to a “machine.” Determine the irony of this imagery.

9. What does Crooks represent? When did he becomes a victim of loneliness? Discuss his attitude toward Lennie in the beginning and then after he’s included in on the dream.

10. How does Crooks’ demeanor change after Curely’s wife enters the barn? How does she treat him? What does Crooks say to Lennie about the dream after she leaves and why?

11. What role does Curley’s wife play in the novel? Why doesn’t she have a name? Is she good or bad?

12. Explain George’s predicament when he discovers Curley’s wife is dead. How does he create a diversion for Lennie? Who has influenced George’s decision about “taking care” of Lennie?

13. How does Candy react to Curley’s wife’s death? What does he say to George, then to her dead body? How do Candy and George each view the dream now and why?

14. Why was Lennie so proud of himself when George found him at the pond? Why did Lennie say, “Ain’t you gonna give me hell?” What was Lennie’s last image of life?

15. Why is it vital to have goals and dreams? What did the dream represent for the three men? Explain why the dream died when Lennie was bad. Why was it only a pipedream?

16. Discuss how George perceived the shooting of Lennie. What would be the outcome from each of his other alternatives?

17. How does the Biblical allusion, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” play a significant role in the novel? Explain how Cain killing Abel relates to Lennie and George’s relationship.

18. What is significant about Slim leading George up the path to the bar? Why do Curley and Carlson say, “Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin’ them two guys?” Thematic Issues

Give at least 2 examples of how these critical themes exist in the novel. Please complete on a separate sheet of paper.

1. industrialization & its castoffs; man vs. machine; nature vs. civilization

2. racism & segregation

3. interpersonal relationships (friendships, love relationship, parent/child)

4. isolation & loneliness

5. helplessness & dependency; responsibility; security

6. dreams, plans, & visions

7. social injustice; man’s brutality to man