| What does George’s conversation with Slim reveal about his past treatment of Lennie? | Georges conversation reveals that Lennie was adopted and George would take care of him. |
| Why does George trust Slim? | Slim is respected for his skills on the ranch, good attitude towards everyone, and respectful manner of confidence. Slim was the first one to welcome ‘the new guys’ gladly to his team, and he speaks so kindly of Lennie towards George with an air of compassion that George believes that he would never tell anyone about the occurrences in Weed. |
| What is Georges analysis of Lennie’s attack on the girl in Weed? Does it seem probable? | George said Lennie wasn’t trying to harm her. It does seem probable. |
| Analyze Carlson’s reasons for and Candy’s reasons against shooting Candy’s dog. How do these reasons connect with the central issues of the novel? | Carlson wanted to shoot Candy’s dog because it was smelly, but mainly because it was old, toothless, and overall in a miserable physical state, and Carlson wanted to put it out of it’s misery. Candy however was against it ah first, because he had been with the dog for so long, and it had become his companion to battle the loneliness of being on a ranch. This touches on one of the central issues of the novel, which is Love and Loneliness as Candy shows love to the dog by the end it’s paid and suffering, but himself has to suffer the loneliness that came from his loss. |
| Why does George decline Whit’s invitation to visit the brothel? | When white invites George to go into town with the group of guys, George comments that he cannot afford to waste his money because he and Lennie are trying to put together a “stake” |
| What comparisons does Candy make between his own condition and his dog’s? How does this reinforce the theme of responsibility? | Candy can relate to his dogs mangy failing appearance as he can no longer fully use his arm. Candy feels that he and his dog are pretty useless. When the men shot and killed his dog he only regrets that he didn’t do it. |
| What does Lennie’s fight with Curley show the ranch hands? What does the description of this fight suggest about the nature of violence? | Lennie’s fight with Curley demonstrates to the ranch hands Curley isn’t as tough as he seems. Although Lennie doesn’t initially fight back when Curley attacks him, once he responds he easily overpowers Curley. It gives a sense of empowerment to the ranch hands. The ranch hands loose all respect for Curley because he bullies Lennie and fights him. Lennie by nature is big a violent person, but if becomes obvious that once he looses control, he can be violent. Later in the novel, he becomes deadly. It shows that anyone has the capability to be violent in a severe enough situation. It’s human nature. |
Of Mice and Men – Part 3
April 27, 2020