Of mice and men - activities and analysis

Of Mice and Men

by John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

Pupils will be able to explain the context in

which the text is written.

Grade D

Pupils will be able to explain how the

context affects the meaning in the text.

Grade C

Pupils will explain how different meaning

in the text relate to the context.

Grade B

Learning Objective: – relating the text to social, cultural and historical traditions.

WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE SOCIAL CONTEXT OF THE STORY?


SOCIAL CONTEXT RESEARCH



Grade D



Grade C



Grade B



o Set in the Salinas Valley, California, where Steinbeck was born and raised.

o The Salinas River is mentioned in the first line of the novel.

o The whole novel is centred on the landscape of Salinas.

o In order to finance going to university Steinbeck took many jobs. One of these was as a ranch hand. It was this experience that he drew on to write this novel.



Grade D



Grade C



Grade B




Grade D



Grade C



Grade B


1929 – The Great Depression

1. What were some of the causes of the Great Depression?

2. How did the Great Depression change some people’s

lives?

3. What did some people do to escape the consequences

of the great depression?

Once you have answered the questions above, find some images to

support the points you make. Include two to four images.



Grade D



Grade C



Grade B


Migrant Workers in California in the 1930s

1. In the 1930s, the ‘dust bowls’ of Oklahoma and Arkansas pushed a lot

of farm and ranch workers into California. What were the ‘dust bowls’?

2. How long did the ‘dust bowls’ last, and why were they so disastrous

for the farmers and farm workers in Oklahoma and Arkansas?

3. What were the living and working conditions like for the farm workers

and their families when they got to California?





Grade D



Grade C



Grade B


Discrimination in 1930s America

1. What kind of treatment did non-white people receive as

labourers and farm workers in the southern states of America in

the 1930s?

2. What were the restrictions on non-white people in the southern

states of America in the 1930s? What weren’t they allowed to

do?

3. How were people with mental handicaps and mental health

problems treated in America in the 1930s?





Grade D



Grade C



Grade B


The Role of Women in 1930s America

1. What was the role of women thought to be in 1930s

America? What were their main responsibilities?

2. What kinds of jobs and professions were women excluded

from in 1930s America?

3. How would these restrictions make women feel who were

ambitious and wanted careers?





Grade D



Grade C



Grade B


Now present your

findings to the class in

order to provide an

impression of what life

was like for farm

workers, women and

minorities in 1930s

California.


which the text is written. Grade D

Pupils will be able to explain how the context

affects the meaning in the text. Grade CPupils will explain how different meaning in the

text relate to the context. Grade B


1. What was the ‘Wall Street Crash’ and how does it link with the Great Depression?

3. Who were the migrant workers who moved into California in the 1930s and what problems did they face?

2. How did the Great Depression affect ordinary people?

4. What is the ‘American Dream’ and were people able to achieve it in the 1930s?

THE SOCIAL CONTEXT TO OF MICE AND MEN


which the text is written. Grade D

Pupils will be able to explain how the context

affects the meaning in the text. Grade CPupils will explain how different meaning in the

text relate to the context. Grade B


5. In the 1930s, Woody Guthrie said ironically that ‘California is the garden of Eden.’ What negative things was he suggesting?

7. ‘The men were toiling in search of their dreams.’ What were the dreams that the men wanted to achieve?

6. ‘Even the dispossessed had their pecking order on the farms.’ What does this tell us about the status of the migrant workers?

8. What was John Steinbeck’s reason for writing the book Of Mice and Men?

THE SOCIAL CONTEXT TO OF MICE AND MEN



Grade D



Grade C



Grade B


What events would

have influenced

Steinbeck in the

early 1930s to

make him want to

write about life as

it was then?



Grade D



Grade C



Grade B


What do you think

made Steinbeck

angry about life in

1930s California?



Grade D



Grade C



Grade B


Why do you think

that Steinbeck

chose to set the

book in his home

town of Salinas in

California?



Grade D



Grade C



Grade B


What were the

main inequalities

at that time, and

how have things

changed since

then?

THE MAIN CHARACTERS

A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green. The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight before reaching the narrow pool. On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees - willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of the winter's flooding; and sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool. On the sandy bank under the trees the leaves lie deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering if he runs among them. Rabbits come out of the brush to sit on the sand in the evening, and the damp flats are covered with the night tracks of 'coons, and with the spread pads of dogs from the ranches, and with the split-wedge tracks of deer that come to drink in the dark.

There is a path through the willows and among the sycamores, a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water. In front of the low horizontal limb of a giant sycamore there is an ash pile made by many fires; the limb is worn smooth by men who have sat on it.

1. Steinbeck uses a lot of names of animals, plants, colours and shapes in this paragraph. What impression do you think that this makes on the reader?

2. The description of the countryside in the Salinas valley at the beginning of the story is poetic and makes California sound a little like the garden of Eden. Why do you think that Steinbeck wanted to create this impression to start the novella?

3. In contrast to the first paragraph, the phrase ‘beaten hard’ is used in the second paragraph to describe the effect of people on the beautiful landscape. What do you think that Steinbeck might be trying to suggest by emphasizing this phrase?

4. When the paragraph ends by saying that the branch has been worn smooth by the men who have passed through, what does it tell us about how many people pass through there?

Of Mice and Men – The opening of the novella (page 1)

Pupils will be able to identify basic features of the writer’s use of language.

GRADE E

Pupils will be able to identify various language features with some explanation. GRADE D

Pupils will show a detailed understanding of how language is used with terminology. GRADE C

Learning Objectives: Explain suggested meaning in the text Explain and comment on the writer’s use of language and literary techniques


GRADE E




Why did Steinbeck begin the novella with a paragraph describing the beauty of the Salinas valley, making it sound a little like Eden?

Evening of a hot day started the little wind to moving among the leaves. The shade climbed up the hills toward the top. On the sand banks the rabbits sat as quietly as little gray, sculptured stones. And then from the direction of the state highway came the sound of footsteps on crisp sycamore leaves. The rabbits hurried noiselessly for cover. A stilted heron labored up into the air and pounded down river. For a moment the place was lifeless, and then two men emerged from the path and came into the opening by the green pool. They had walked in single file down the path, and even in the open one stayed behind the other. Both were dressed in denim trousers and in denim coats with brass buttons. Both wore black, shapeless hats and both carried tight blanket rolls slung over their shoulders. The first man was small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. Every part of him was defined: small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin and bony nose. Behind him walked his opposite, a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely. The first man stopped short in the clearing, and the follower nearly ran over him. He took off his hat and wiped the sweat-band with his forefinger and snapped the moisture off. His huge companion dropped his blankets and flung himself down and drank from the surface of the green pool; drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse. The small man stepped nervously beside him.

1. Because they walked in ‘single file’, one behind the other, what might it suggest about their relationship?

2. What does their clothing suggest about their social status, and what do the ‘blanket rolls’ suggest about their lifestyle?

3. What does the description of the first man suggest about him and his character? Especially the words: ‘small and quick’ ‘restless eyes’ ‘sharp, strong features’ ‘small, strong hands’ ‘slender arms’.

4. What does the description of the second man suggest about him and his character? Especially the words: ‘walked his opposite’ ‘huge man’ ‘shapeless face’ ‘pale eyes’ ‘wide, sloping shoulders’ ‘he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws’ ‘his arms…hung loosely’ ‘drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse’ .



GRADE E





GRADE E




‘he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws’

What does the animal imagery suggest about Lennie?

What does the animal imagery suggest about Lennie?


GRADE E




‘drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse’

GEORGEWhat does the description of the first man suggest about him and his character? Especially the words:

‘small and quick’

‘restless eyes’

‘sharp, strong features’

‘small, strong hands’

‘slender arms’.



GRADE E




LENNIEWhat does the description of the second man suggest about him and his character? Especially the words:

‘walked his opposite’

‘huge man’ ‘shapeless face’ ‘pale eyes’ ‘wide, sloping shoulders’

‘he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws’

‘his arms…hung loosely’

‘drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse’



GRADE E




George and Lennie’s relationship

• Find two examples of Lennie acting like a child.

• Why does Lennie like the mouse?

• Why is George worried about Lennie?

• Why do you think George stays with Lennie?


GRADE E




What is George, Lennie and Candy’s dream of having their own farm about?


GRADE E




They would own

their land and

home

They would

answer only to themselves

They would be free

to do the work they

wanted, when they

wanted

They would reap the

benefits of their labour


GRADE E




What is George, Lennie and Candy’s dream of having their own farm about?

The American Dream

One of the major themes in the book is ‘The American Dream’, the

hope of creating a better life. Look at the story about their farm

that George and Lennie share. How does this story relate to ‘The

American Dream’? Add your ideas to the image below.

They could

work for

themselves


GRADE E




What is foreshadowing?

• A subtle hint about something that will happen later in

the book.

•

•

Look at the end of Section One. Can you find an example of

foreshadowing here? What do you think might happen later on in the

book that is being hinted at here?


GRADE E




1. In what ways does the description of the bunkhouse contrast with the description of the Salinas valley at the beginning of the first section of the novella? For example, what colours and shapes are used to describe the bunkhouse?

2. What do we learn about Candy from this first description, and what do the details suggest about him?

Of Mice and Men – The opening of Section 2


GRADE E




TWO

The bunkhouse was a long, rectangular building. Inside, the

walls were whitewashed and the floor unpainted. In three walls

there were small, square windows, and in the fourth, a solid

door with a wooden latch. Against the walls were eight bunks,

five of them made up with blankets and the other three showing

their burlap ticking. Over each bunk there was nailed an apple

box with the opening forward so that it made two shelves for

the personal belongings of the occupant of the bunk. And these

shelves were loaded with little articles, soap and talcum

powder, razors and those Western magazines ranch men love to

read and scoff at and secretly believe. And there were medicines

on the shelves, and little vials, combs; and from nails on the box

sides, a few neckties. Near one wall there was a black cast-iron

stove, its stovepipe going straight up through the ceiling. In the

middle of the room stood a big square table littered with playing

cards, and around it were grouped boxes for the players to sit

on.

At about ten o'clock in the morning the sun threw a bright dust-

laden bar through one of the side windows, and in and out of

the beam flies shot like rushing stars. The wooden latch raised.

The door opened and a tall, stoop-shouldered old man came in.

He was dressed in blue jeans and he carried a big push-broom in

his left hand......He pointed with his right arm, and out of the

sleeve came a round stick-like wrist, but no hand…….”I ain’t got

the poop no more.” (Candy tells George and Lennie)

CONTRAST IN THE OPENINGS OF SECTIONS 1 AND 2


GRADE E




THE SALINAS VALLEY (SECTION1)

the Salinas River drops in close to the hillside bank and runs deep and green

slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight

golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan mountains,

willows fresh and green with every spring,

sycamores with mottled, white, recumbent limbs and branches that arch over the pool.

leaves lie deep and so crisp that a lizard makes a great skittering if he runs among them.

THE BUNKHOUSE (SECTION 2)

a long, rectangular building

the walls were whitewashed and the floor

unpainted

small, square windows,

Over each bunk there was nailed an apple box

from nails on the box sides, a few neckties.

a black cast-iron stove

a big square table

around it were grouped boxes for the players to sit

on.

the morning the sun threw a bright dust-laden bar

through one of the side windows

Characterisation in Section 2


GRADE E




CANDY

• ‘stoop-shouldered old man’

• ‘dressed in blue jeans’

• ‘carried a big push-broom in his left hand’

• ‘out of the sleeve came a round stick-like

wrist, but no hand’

• ”I ain’t got the poop no more.” (Candy tells

George and Lennie)

Characterisation of Candy in Section 2


GRADE E




CANDY

DISCUSS THE PRESENTATION OF CANDY AT THE START OF SECTION 2


GRADE E




Steinbeck uses a mixture of imagery and symbolism to present Candy at the beginning of Section 2. However, all of the details used in the description suggest weakness. The ‘blue jeans’ and his ‘stooped shoulders’ suggest that he has always been a labourer, and that he has been grinded down by his work – that why his shoulder are ‘stooped’.

Steinbeck’s description of Candy’s hands is also important, since he has lost his right hand altogether, and he has to work using his only his left hand. Candy’s lost hand is symbolic, since the right hand traditionally stands for male strength and virility. This links with his comment that he doesn’t have ‘poop’ any more. The way that he mentions this suggests that ‘poop’ also means virility and energy.

Candy’s loss of his manhood is further emphasised by his work as a ‘swamper’ since this was a cleaning job, and cleaning work would have been associated with work done by women.

Overall, Candy is introduced as a weak character, who is old and lacks virility and power on the ranch. In some way he links with Lennie who is also vulnerable because of his disability. The reader begins to see that there are a number of weak and powerless characters in the story, which increases the tension in the story, because we wonder what is going to happen to them.

DISCUSS THE PRESENTATION OF GEORGE AS HE IS INITIALLY DESCRIBED IN SECTION 1


GRADE E




RELEVANT QUOTE

‘The first man was small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. Every part of him was defined: small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin and bony nose.’

DISCUSS THE PRESENTATION OF LENNIE AS HE IS INITIALLY DESCRIBED IN SECTION 1


GRADE E




RELEVANT QUOTES

‘Behind him walked his opposite,’

‘a huge man, shapeless of face, with large,’ pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders;

‘he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely.’

‘drank with long gulps, snorting into the water like a horse.’

OPENING POINTS

It is clear from the description that Lennie seems to be very different to George.

Steinbeck emphasises Lennie’s strength.

The description suggests that Lennie is clumsy and physically awkward.

In some ways, Lennie is made to seem less than human.


GRADE E




Who are the main characters that we have met so far, and how are they described?

What’s in a name?

Curley’s wife


GRADE E




What’s in a name?

Curley’s wife‘Both men glance up, for the rectangle ofsunshine in the doorway was cut off. A girl wasstanding there looking in. She had full, rougedlips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made up.Her fingernails were red. Her hair hung in littlerolled clusters, like sausages. She wore acotton dress and red mules, on the insteps ofwhich were little bouquets of red ostrichfeathers.’ (p.32)


GRADE E




‘…the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off [by Curley’s wife].’

‘Rouged lips …heavily made up. Her fingernails were red…’ ‘Her hair hung in

little rolled clusters, like sausages.’

‘She’s a tart.’

‘…she’s a rattrap if I ever seen one.’

What do the various examples of imagery suggest to the reader about Curley’s wife?


GRADE E





‘Rouged lips …heavily made up. Her fingernails were red…’

‘Her hair hung in little rolled clusters, like sausages.’



What do the various examples of imagery suggest to the reader about Curley’s wife?


GRADE E




CURLEY’S WIFE


‘Rouged lips …heavily made up. Her fingernails were red…’ ‘Her hair hung in

little rolled clusters, like sausages.’




GRADE E




CURLEY’S WIFELink these adjectives with one or more of the quotes, and explain why they are linked.

Foreshadowing – suggesting events that happen later on in the story

Judgemental – comments that judge other people, perhaps unfairly

Predatory – seeming like a predator (one animal that hunts another)

Grotesque – something that seems disgusting or off-putting

Threatening – something that suggests threat or danger

Negative – seeming bad in some way

Pejorative – done or said to put another person down

Section 2: Curley’s wife in the bunk house

‘Both men [Lennie and George] glanced up, for the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off [by Curley’s wife].’

• The ‘rectangle of sunshine’ is a symbol. What do you think it might represent?

• Curley’s wife cutting off the light from the doorway foreshadow events later in the story?

[Description of Curley’s wife]‘Rouged lips…heavily made up. Her fingernails were red. Her hair hung in little rolled clusters, like sausages…[she wore] red mules [with] little bouquets of red ostrich feathers …Her voice had a brittle nasal quality.’

• There is a lot of red imagery used in the description of Curley’s wife. What do you think this colour symbolisesabout her (especially her lips and nails)?

• There is an unusual simile of sausages to describe Curley’s wife’s hair. By comparing her with a kind of meat, what is this imagery suggesting about Curley’s wife?

• ’red ostrich feathers’ are unusual to see on a farm. What does this choice of shoe suggest about the way that Curley’s wife fits in on the ranch?

‘She put her hands behind her back and leaned against the door frame so that her body was thrown forward.’

George to Lennie: ‘Jesus, what a tramp…Don’t you even take a look at that bitch…I seen ‘em poison before, but I ain’t never seen no jail bait worse than her… she’s a rattrap if I ever seen one.’

• Curley’s wife’s posture in the doorway is provocative. What is Steinbeck trying to suggest by the way that she throws her body forward with her hands behind her back?

• When Curley’s wife leaves the bunk house, Lennie comments: “She’s purty.” However, George calls her a “rattrap”. What danger does George see that Lennie misses?

• By using the word ‘bitch’, George links Curley’s wife with being like a dog. Which other dogs does this link with, and why?


GRADE E




Of Mice and Men – Part 2: in the bunk house

POINT EVIDENCE‘Both men [Lennie and George] glanced up, for the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off [by Curley’s wife].’

EXPLAIN/DISCUSS• The ‘rectangle of sunshine’ is a symbol. What do

you think it might represent?

• Foreshadowing is a technique used in stories that means: a detail in the story predicts what will happen later. In what way does Curley’s wife cutting off the light from the doorway foreshadow events later in the story?

TECHNIQUES/LINKS


• There is a lot of red imagery used in the description of Curley’s wife. What do you think this colour symbolises about her?

• It is particularly significant that Curley’s wife’s lips and nails are red. What is this suggesting about her?

• There is the unusual simile of sausages to describe Curley’s wife’s hair. What is the likely reaction of the reader to this imagery? Because sausages are a kind of meat, what is this imagery suggesting about Curley’s wife?

• Curley’s wife’s shoes have red ostrich feathers on them. It is unusual to see such footwear on a farm. What does this choice of shoe suggest about the way that Curley’s wife is fitting in on the ranch?


George to Lennie: ‘Jesus, what a tramp…Don’t you even take a look at that bitch…I seen ‘em poison before, but I ain’t never seen no jail baitworse than her… she’s a rattrap if I ever seen one.’

• Curley’s wife’s posture in the doorway is provocative. What is Steinbeck trying to suggest about Curley’s wife by the way that she throws her body forward?

• What subtlety of character could be shown by Curley’s Wife’s hands being behind her back?

• When Curley’s wife leaves the bunk house, Lennie comments: “She’s purty.” However, George’s reaction is very different. What risk or danger does George see that Lennie misses?

• George’s comment about a ‘rattrap’ is another example of foreshadowing. What details of the later story does it link with?

• By using the word ‘bitch’, George links Curley’s wife with being like a dog. Which other dog in the story does she link with, and why?

Of Mice and Men – Part 2: in the bunk house

POINT EVIDENCE‘Both men [Lennie and George] glanced up, for the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off [by Curley’s wife].’

EXPLAIN/DISCUSS TECHNIQUES/LINKS



George to Lennie: ‘Jesus, what a tramp…Don’t you even take a look at that bitch…I seen ‘em poison before, but I ain’t never seen no jail baitworse than her… she’s a rattrap if I ever seen one.’

• CHARACTERISATION

• THEMES

• SETTINGS

• DRAMATIC TECHNIQUES

• LANGUAGE TECHNIQUES

• SOCIAL CONTEXT


GRADE E




ANALYSIS OF OF MICE AND MEN

• What is the overall impression that we get of Curley’s Wife, and what is her impact on the other characters?

• Why do you think that Steinbeck created Curley’s Wife as she appears in Section 2?


GRADE E




STEINBECK’S PURPOSE IN CREATING CURLEY’S WIFE

Dramatic Tension

Find some quotations that develop the level of tension and write them below. The first one has been done for you.

'The silence came

into the room.'

When Candy’s dog is taken away to be shot, Steinbeck creates a high level of dramatic tension in the room. The reader feels very tense, waiting to see what is going to happen.


GRADE E




• The silence came into the room

• And the silence lasted

• The silence fell on the room again

• He rippled the edge of the deck

nervously

• The silence fell on the room again

• It came out of the night

Dramatic Tension


GRADE E




• A minute passed, and another minute

• Candy lay still, staring at the ceiling

• Only Candy continued to stare at the

ceiling

• The silence was in the room again

• A shot sounded in the distance

• Every head turned to him [Candy]


GRADE E




Who do Slim’s four drowned puppies represent (the four ‘weak’ characters), and what is it about the society at that time that seems to make them doomed?

• Candy’s dog is symbolic, since it stands for those people in the story who are also treated like ‘pets’.

• Who are those people, and in what way are they like pets?


GRADE E




CANDY’S DOG


GRADE E




The death of Candy’s dog

• What seems to happen to thosethings on the ranch that don’t fitin?

• Which characters don’t fit in onthe ranch, and how might thisforeshadow their future?


GRADE E




SLIM – THE ARCHETYPAL COWBOY


GRADE E




[Candy on Slim] ‘Hell of a nice fella. Slim don’t need to wear no high-heeled boots on a grain team.’ (p. 29)

A tall man stood in the doorway. A tall man stood in the doorway. He held a crushed Stetson hat under

his arm while he combed his long, black, damp hair straight back. Like the others he wore blue jeans and a short denim jacket. When he had finished combing his hair he moved into the room, and he moved with

a majesty achieved only by royalty and master craftsmen. He was a jerkline skinner, the prince of the ranch, capable of driving ten, sixteen, even twenty mules with a single line to the leaders. He was capable of killing a fly on the wheeler's butt with a bull whip without touching the mule. There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke. His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love. This was Slim, the jerklineskinner. His hatchet face was ageless. He might have been thirty-five or fifty. His ear heard more than was said to him, and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought. His hands, large and lean, were as delicate in their action as those of a temple dancer. He smoothed out his crushed hat, creased it in the middle and put it on. (pp.34-35)

[Slim on Lennie] “He ain’t mean…I can tell a mean guy a mile off.” (p.43)

[Slim’s judgement on Candy’s dog] “Carl’s right, Candy. That dog ain’t no good to himself. I wishtsomebody’d shoot me if I got old an’ a cripple.” (p.46)

SLIM


GRADE E




ANALYSING THE WAY THAT SLIM IS PRESENTED IN SECTIONS TWO AND THREE

POINT QUOTE EXPLAIN HOW THE DETAILS IN THE QUOTE(S) PROVE THE POINT

Slim has natural authority.

‘authority’ means that other people listen to what you have to say, and do what you ask.

Slim has natural talent and good judgement.

Slim is charismaticand enigmatic.

‘charismatic’ means having a magnetic character. ‘enigmatic’ means being mysterious and complex.

Steinbeck makes Slim sound regal and noble.

‘regal’ means like royalty.


GRADE E




QUIZ ON DETAILS IN SECTIONS TWO AND THREE

1. What is Lennie’s surname and why is it ironic? 6. Is Curley’s wife really a ‘tart’? Explain your answer.

2. What is George’s surname and why is it significant? 7. Carlson is the man who shoots Candy’s dog. He is quite brutal. What could he stand for in the story?

3. Curley is described as being ‘a thin young man’; ‘an angry little man’; wearing ‘high-heeled boots’; and ‘like a terrier’. As the boss’s son, how does he contrast with Slim’s character?

8. Candy’s dog is symbolic, since it stands for those people in the story who are also treated like ‘pets’. Which two pet-like people does the dog stand for, and in what way are they treated like pets?

4. Why does Curley wear a ‘glove fulla Vaseline’, and why is it disturbing that he tells all the men about it?

9. Candy’s dog is also symbolic of Candy’s position on the ranch. In what ways does the dog symbolise Candy?

5. What is the dramatic purpose of Curley’s wife in the story? 10. What social message is Steinbeck trying to communicate through the four weak characters in the story?

What are George’s feelings

about her?

Why is she in the

bunkhouse?

How does she talk

to the men?What does her provocative

body language show?

What does her appearance

suggest about how she

would like to live

Why is she incongruous

on a working ranch?

What does her appearance

reveal about her?

Curley’s wife

Chapter 2

Use the questions below to help you consider Curley’s wife’s impact.


GRADE E




ANSWERING

CHARACTER

QUESTION

Introduction-

Explain the

circumstances

in which the

character

appearsRelationship

with other

Characters

(What do they

say about

him/her?)

Body language

and appearance

Attitudes &

Behaviour

Link with

themes

Language

details used, and

what they

suggest about

the character

Brief summary

of the key

points and

link back to

question

Analysingcharacter

Quotes or specificreferences to events needed throughout

Context must be mentioned


GRADE E




EXAMPLES OF DISCUSSING TENSION AND CONFLICT IN THE STORY


GRADE E




EXAMPLE 3

Lennie’s first meeting with Curley is important, since it shows that there is an ever-present threat on the ranch for those who don’t fit in. Curley embodies the discrimination that is a threat to Lennie and Crooks. We had already discovered that there had been a racist attack on Crooks at a Christmas party, now we see that Lennie is immediately picked on because he is different to the other men. This creates tension for the reader, since we have already been made to feel sympathy for Lennie and his condition. In this scene, the reader’s empathy for Lennie is heightened when we see how distressed he is about Curley being threatening towards him. Steinbeck uses the word ‘squirmed’ to describe this, and also describes Lennie as a ‘lamb’ – emphasising his innocence and vulnerability. At the time the novel was set, there was not any protection for men like Lennie, and they were vulnerable to other people taking advantage of them. Steinbeck uses George and the other vulnerable characters to highlight the difficult and hopelessness situations that such people are trapped in. This shows that the ranch runs on ‘the law of the jungle’, where only the fittest and strongest can survive.

(Grade C+/B-)

EXAMPLE 1There is tension when Curley first enters the bunkhouse in Section 2, when he meets George and Lennie. We know this because Steinbeck says that Curley ‘glanced coldly’ at George. Straight away Curley acts violently, putting his elbows out and making fists with his hands. It looks like he’s going to have a fight. Curley says: “Well nex’ time you answer when you’re spoke to”, because he wants to show that he is more important.(Grade E+)

EXAMPLE 2Curley is used to make tension in Section 2 of the novella. For example it says that he was ‘at once calculating and pugnacious’ as he walked up to Lennie. His hands are also ‘closed into fists’. These both show that he is threatening. Lennie’s reaction also shows that he is worries by Curley’s behaviour; it says that he ‘shifted his feet nervously’. Curley is used as a warning in this part of the book, suggesting what could happen later on. This makes the reader feel sorry for Lennie, and we dislike Curley straight away. Curley shows meanness and nastiness in his attitude towards Lennie. This makes tension, because the reader wonders what will happen to Lennie later on.(Grade D+/C-)

CHARACTERISATION OF LENNIE AND CURLEY IN THE FIGHT SCENE (SECTION 3)


GRADE E




Curley(Carlson about Curley) “yella as a frog belly” (p.62)

‘Curley stepped over to Lennie like a terrier.’ (p.62)

(Slim about Curley) “The dirty little rat.” (p.63)

‘Curley flopped like a fish on a line.’ (p.63)

Lennie‘Lennie covered his face with his huge paws and bleated with terror.’ (p.63)

(Slim to Curley) “I think you got your han’ caught in a machine.” (p.64)

(George to Lennie) “you don’t need to be scairt no more. You done jus’ what I tol’ you to.” (p.65)



GRADE E




Lennie‘Lennie covered his face with his huge paws and bleatedwith terror.’ (p.63)



GRADE E




Lennie(Slim to Curley) “I think you got your han’ caught in a machine.” (p.64)



GRADE E




Lennie(George to Lennie) “you don’t need to be scairt no more. You done jus’ what I tol’ you to.” (p.65)



GRADE E




Curley(Carlson about Curley) “yella as a frog belly” (p.62)



GRADE E




Curley‘Curley stepped over to Lennie like a terrier.’ (p.62)



GRADE E




Curley(Slim about Curley) “The dirty little rat.” (p.63)



GRADE E




Curley‘Curley flopped like a fish on a line.’ (p.63)

POINTS LINKED WITH CURLEY’S FIGHT WITH LENNIE (SECTION 3)


GRADE E




STRUCTUREThe fight scene follows immediately after George, Lennie and Candy talk about working together to achieve their dream. Why does Steinbeck choose to put these very different scenes next to one another?

.

.

CURLEY’S WIFE STIRS UP STRONG FEELINGS(Whit says) “I don’t know what the hell she wants.” (p.51)(George says) “Ranch with a bunch of guys on it ain’t no place for a girl, specially like her.” (p.52)(Carlson says to Curley) “Why’n’t you tell her to stay the hell home where she belongs.” (p.62)

WHAT DO THEIR JUDGEMENTAL COMMENTS SHOW ABOUT THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS CURLEY’S WIFE?

What does the fight scene tell us about Curley?

What does the fight scene tell us about Lennie?

What does the fight scene tell us about George?

What does the fight scene tell us about Slim?



GRADE E




STRUCTUREThe fight scene follows immediately after George, Lennie and Candy talk about working together to achieve their dream. Why does Steinbeck choose to put these very different scenes next to one another?

.

.



GRADE E




CURLEY’S WIFE STIRS UP STRONG FEELINGS

(Whit says) “I don’t know what the hell she wants.” (p.51)

(George says) “Ranch with a bunch of guys on it ain’t no place for a girl, specially like her.” (p.52)

(Carlson says to Curley) “Why’n’t you tell her to stay the hell home where she belongs.” (p.62)

WHAT DO THEIR JUDGEMENTAL COMMENTS SHOW ABOUT THEIR ATTITUDES TOWARDS CURLEY’S WIFE?



GRADE E




What does the fight scene tell us about Curley?



GRADE E




What does the fight scene tell us about Lennie?



GRADE E




What does the fight scene tell us about George?



GRADE E




What does the fight scene tell us about Slim?

HOW DO THE FOLLOWING WORDS LINK WITH THE FIGHT SCENE, AND WHY?


GRADE E




VULNERABLE

VICIOUS

VINDICTIVE

CATALYST –something that begins a reaction

AUTHORITATIVE

VICTIMISED

CONTROLLER

PERPETRATOR

INSTIGATOR

RETRIBUTION – a big word for payback

REVENGE

VULNERABLE

SPITEFUL

MISINTERPRETATION

• WHERE DOES CURLEY’S WIFE’S PENT UP ANGER AND FURY COME FROM? WHY IS SHE READY TO BLOW?

• WHY DO YOU THINK THAT STEINBECK WANTS TO MAKE CURLEY’S WIFE SEEM UNSYMPATHETIC?

(UNSYMPATHETIC = UNCARING AND SHOWING NO FEELINGS FOR OTHERS)

Make some detailed and relevant comments on how language,

themes and characterisation are used. (Grade D)

Explore language, themes and characterisation in a consistent and confident way. (Grade C)

Show a clear understanding of how language, themes and characterisation achieve their effect and purpose. (Grade B)

Learning Objective: to explain how language, structure and form contribute to the writer’s presentation of ideas, themes and settings.

CURLEY’S WIFE IN SECTION 4

ANALYSIS OF THE PRESENTATION OF CROOKS AT THE START OF SECTION 4

Crooks, the Negro stable buck, had his bunk in the harness room; a little shed that leaned off the wall of the barn. On one side of the little room there was a square four-paned window, and on the other, a narrow plank door leading into the barn. Crooks' bunk was a long box filled with straw, on which his blankets were flung. On the wall by the window there were pegs on which hung broken harness in process of being mended; strips of new leather; and under the window itself a little bench for leather-working tools, curved knives and needles and balls of linen thread, and a small hand riveter. On pegs were also pieces of harness, a split collar with the horsehair stuffing sticking out, a broken hame, and a trace chain with its leather covering split. Crooks had his apple box over his bunk, and in it a range of medicine bottles, both for himself and for the horses. There were cans of saddle soap and a drippy can of tar with its paint brush sticking over the edge. And scattered about the floor were a number of personal possessions; for, being alone, Crooks could leave his things about, and being a stable buck and a cripple, he was more permanent than the other men, and he had accumulated more

possessions than he could carry on his back.

Crooks possessed several pairs of shoes, a pair of rubberboots, a big alarm clock and a single-barreled shotgun.

And he had books, too; a tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California civil code for 19O5. There were battered magazines and a few dirty books on a special shelf over his bunk. A pair of large gold-rimmed spectacles hung from a nail on the wall above his bed.

This room was swept and fairly neat, for Crooks was a proud, aloof man. He kept his distance and demanded that other people keep theirs. His body was bent over to the left by his crooked spine, and his eyes lay deep in his head, and because of their depth seemed to glitter with intensity. His lean face was lined with deep black wrinkles, and he had thin, pain-tightened lips which were lighter than his face.

It was Saturday night. Through the open door that led into the barn came the sound of moving horses, of feet stirring, of teeth champing on hay, of the rattle of halter chains. In the stable buck's room a small electric globe threw a meager yellow light.

Crooks sat on his bunk. His shirt was out of his jeans in back. In one hand he held a bottle of liniment, and with the other he rubbed his spine. Now and then he poured a few drops of the liniment into his pink-palmed hand and reached up under his shirt to rub again. He flexed his muscles against his back and shivered.






SECTION 4: What does the description of Crooks’ possessions and living conditions tell us about him and his life?

‘Crooks' bunk was a long box filled with straw’

‘..he had books, too; a tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California civil code for 19O5.’

‘A pair of large gold-rimmed spectacles hung from a nail on the wall above his bed.’

‘…his eyes lay deep in his head, and because of their depth seemed to glitter…and he had thin, pain-tightened lips’






CROOKS

CROOKS’ MEMORIES FROM HIS

CHILDHOODCROOKS’

APPEARANCE

AND WHAT IT

TELLS US

CROOKS’

ASPIRATIONS

AND WHAT KEEPS

HIM GOING

THINGS THAT SHOW

CROOKS’ STATUS ON THE RANCH

CROOKS’

CYNICISM

(DISBELIEVING

AND

UNTRUSTING)

CROOKS’ ATTITUDE

TOWARDS THE OTHER PEOPLE ON THE RANCH

Analysingcharacter






Crooks’ chapter.

SECTION 4: For each quote explain who Crooks is talking to; and what his words suggest about him and how he relates to other people






1. (p68) “This here’s my room. Nobody got any right in here but me.”

2. (p70) “If I say something, why it’s just a nigger saying it.”

3. (p71) “They’ll take you to the booby hatch. They’ll tie ya up with a collar, like a dog.”

4. (p73) “I remember when I was a little kid on my old man’s chicken ranch. Had two brothers. They was always near me, always there.”

5. (p73) “Ever’body wants a little piece of lan’.”

6. (p80) “Yes, ma’am.” and his voice was toneless

SECTION 4: CURLEY’S WIFE, CROOKS, CANDY AND LENNIE – “THEY LEFT ALL THE WEAK ONES HERE,”

In Crook’s room Curley’s Wife speaks to Lennie, Candy and Crooks (part 1)

"Any you boys seen Curley?“ (Curley’s wife.)"Curley ain't been here," Candy said sourly."Think I don't know where they all went? Even Curley. I know where they all went.“ Lennie watched her, fascinated; but Candy and Crooks were scowlingdown away from her eyes. Candy said, "Then if you know, why you wantto ast us where Curley is at?“ She regarded them amusedly.[Candy] said accusingly, "You gotta husban'. You got no call foolin' aroun' with other guys, causin' trouble.“ The girl flared up. "Sure I gotta husban'. You all seen him. Swell guy, ain't he? Spends all his time sayin' what he's gonna do to guys he don't like, and he don't like nobody.[Curley’s wife asked] "Say- what happened to Curley's han'?“Candy stole a look at Lennie. Then he coughed. "Why... Curley... he got his han' caught in a machine, ma'am. Bust his han'.“ [Curley’s wife] said contemptuously, “Awright, cover 'im up if ya wanta. Whatta I care? You bindle bums think you're so damn good. Whatta ya think I am, a kid? I tell ya I could of went with shows. Not jus' one, neither. An' a guy tol' me he could put me inpitchers...." She was breathless with indignation. "-Sat'iday night.Ever'body out doin' som'pin'. Ever'body! An' what am I doin'? Standin'here talkin' to a bunch of bindle stiffs- a nigger an' a dum-dum and alousy ol' sheep- an' likin' it because they ain't nobody else." [Candy] said angrily. "You ain't wanted here. We told you you ain't. An' I tell ya, you got floozy idears about what us guys amounts to. She looked from one face to another, and they were all closed against her. And she looked longest at Lennie, until he dropped his eyes in embarrassment. Suddenly she said, "Where'd you get them bruises on your face?“ Lennie looked up guiltily. "Who- me?""Yeah, you."Lennie looked to Candy for help, and then he looked at his lap again. "He got his han' caught in a machine," he said. Curley's wife laughed. "O.K., Machine. I'll talk to you later. I like machines.“ Candy broke in. "You let this guy alone. Don't you do no messing aroun' with him. I'm gonna tell George what you says. George won't have you messin' with Lennie."






Why is Lennie’s response different to that of the other men?

What kind of trouble does Candy think that she might cause?

What do Curley’s wife’s comments tell us about her relationship with Curley only two weeks into their marriage?

What do these comments tell us about Curley’s wife’s dreams and

aspirations? How does this contrast with her life on the ranch?

How do these comments link with Curley’s wife being called a ‘tart’?

What is Curley’s wife trying to do here, and why is she focusing on Lennie?

SECTION 4: CURLEY’S WIFE, CROOKS, CANDY AND LENNIE – “THEY LEFT ALL THE WEAK ONES HERE,”






In Crook’s room Curley’s Wife speaks to Lennie, Candy and Crooks (part 2)

"Who's George?" she asked. "The little guy you come with?"Lennie smiled happily. "That's him," he said. "That's the guy, an'he's gonna let me tend the rabbits.""Well, if that's all you want, I might get a couple rabbits myself."Crooks stood up from his bunk and faced her. "I had enough," he saidcoldly. "You got no rights comin' in a colored man's room. You gotno rights messing around in here at all. Now you jus' get out, an' getout quick.”She turned on him in scorn. "Listen, Nigger," she said. "You knowwhat I can do to you if you open your trap?“ Crooks stared hopelessly at her, and then he sat down on his bunk and drew into himself.She closed on him. "You know what I could do?“ Crooks seemed to grow smaller, and he pressed himself against the wall. "Yes, ma'am.“ "Well, you keep your place then, Nigger. I could get you strung upon a tree so easy it ain't even funny.“ Crooks had reduced himself to nothing. There was no personality, no ego- nothing to arouse either like or dislike. He said, "Yes, ma'am," and his voice was toneless. For a moment she stood over him as though waiting for him to move so that she could whip at him again; but Crooks sat perfectly still, his eyes averted, everything that might be hurt drawn in. She turned at last to the other two.Old Candy was watching her, fascinated. "If you was to do that, we'dtell," he said quietly. "We'd tell about you framin' Crooks.""Tell an' be damned," she cried. "Nobody'd listen to you, an' youknow it. Nobody'd listen to you."Candy subsided. "No...." he agreed. "Nobody'd listen to us.“ Lennie whined, "I wisht George was here. I wisht George was here.“ Candy stepped over to him. "Don't you worry none," he said. "I jus' heard the guys comin' in. George'll be in the bunkhouse right now, I bet." He turned to Curley's wife. "You better go home now,“ he said.

What does she think that he might be able to do for her?

Why has Crooks suddenly decided to make a stand? Why has Curley’s wife gone too far?

Why does Curley’s wife feel the need to be so vicious?

Why does Curley’s wife choose to unleash her anger on Crooks in particular?

What was the point of Curley’s wife’s petty victory over the three men?

Why does Lennie suddenly feel the need for George?

Of Mice and Men – Part 4: in Crooks’ room

POINT EVIDENCECurley’s wife: ‘Funny thing … If I catch any one man and he’s alone, I get on fine with him. But just let two of the guys be together an’ you won’t talk… one of you’s scared the rest is goin’ to get something on you.’

EXPLAIN/DISCUSS

• What difficulties does Curley’s wife experience in trying to develop a friendly relationship with the men on the ranch?

• How does Curley’s wife make things harder for herself in trying to become friends with the men on the ranch?

• What does Curley’s wife mean when she says the men are afraid that ‘the rest is goin’ to get something on [them]’?

TECHNIQUES/LINKS

‘Lennie: He got his han’ caught in a machine. Curley’s Wife: OK machine, I’ll talk to you later. I like machines…Lennie: …he’s gonna let me tend the rabbits.Curley’s Wife: Well, if that’s all you want, I might get a couple of rabbits myself.’

• Talking about Lennie as a ‘machine’ is ironic. What does the idea of Lennie as a machine tell us about him?

• Why is Curley’s wife motivated to get closer to Lennie as a ‘machine’?

• When Curley’s wife talks about getting rabbits for Lennie, they become a metaphor. The way she talks about them, what could they stand for?

• Why would Curley’s wife want to get rabbits for Lennie to stroke?

Curley’s wife:‘a nigger an’ a dum-dum and a lousy ol’ sheep… Well you keep your place then nigger, I could get you strung upon a tree so easy it ain’tfunny.’

• What motivates Curley’s wife to speak so offensively to Crooks, Lennie and Candy?

• Why does Curley’s wife use such a severe threat against Crooks after Crooks made it clear that she wasn’t welcome?

• What doesn’t Curley’s wife realise about her own status on the ranch when she is treating the three men so badly?

Of Mice and Men – Part 5: in the barn

(Curley’s wife talking to Lennie about his dead pup) “Don’t you worry none. He was just a mutt. You can get another one easy. The whole country is fulla mutts.” (p.89)

1. Curley’s wife’s comments about the puppy are also ironic because in some ways she is linked with the dogs in the story. Explain how her comments are ironic.

2. What other examples do we have to support the idea of life having little value on the ranch?

(Curley’s wife to Lennie) ‘I get awful lonely… I ain’tused to livin’ like this. I coulda made something’ of myself (p.86) I don’t like Curley. He ain’t a nice fella.…Couldabeen in the movies, an’ had nice clothes - all the nice clothes they wear. An I coulda sat in them big hotels, an had pitchers took of me. (p.87)

1. Curley’s wife’s dream is a dream of escaping the harsh realities of life. In what ways does it parallel Lennie and George’s dream, and what is she trying to escape from?

2. When she talks about her dream, what aspects of the movie star life does she focus on, and what do they tell us about her maturity?

(Curley’s wife to Lennie) “I think you’re nuts.” (p.89)

…he [Lennie] shook her; and her body flopped like a fish. And then she was still, for Lennie had broken her neck…”I don’t want to hurt you,” he said’…He pawed up the hay until it partly covered her. (p.90)

[Describing Curley’s wife after her death] ‘And the meanness and the planning and the discontent and the ache for attention were all gone from her face. She was very pretty and simple, and her face was sweet and young. Now her rouged cheeks and her reddened lips made her seem alive and sleeping very lightly. The curls, tiny little sausages, were spread on the hay behind her, and her lips were parted. (p.91)

1. When Curley’s wife jokingly calls Lennie ‘nuts’, what does it suggest that she didn’t understand about him and his condition?

2. When Curley’s wife first appears in the story it is as though she is a predator - with red lips and nails; however, by the end of the story she is a ‘flopping’ fish. What does this change suggest?

3. The description of Curley’s wife’s innocence after her death, is very different to her description at the start of the book. What does this final description tell us about what she was really like?

4. Why do you think that Steinbeck gives Curley’s wife this sympathetic description at the end of the book, after everything that she has said and done before?





Learning Objective: to explain how language, structure, and characterisation contribute to the writer’s presentation of ideas, themes and settings.


POINT EVIDENCE

Curley’s wife: ‘Don’t you worry none. He was just a mutt. You can get another one easy. The whole country is fulla mutts.’

EXPLAIN/DISCUSS• What do Curley’s wife’s comments tell the

reader about the value given to life on the ranch?

• What other examples do we have to support the idea of life having little value on the ranch?

TECHNIQUES/LINKS

• Curley’s wife’s comments about the puppy are also ironic because in some ways she is linked with the dogs in the story. Explain how her comments are ironic.

Curley’s wife: ‘I getawful lonely… I ain’t used to livin’ like this. I couldamade something’ of myself…I don’t like Curley. He ain’ta nice fella.

…Coulda been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes - all the nice clothes they wear.’

• In this part of the story, the reader hears about Curley’s wife’s lost dream. Explain why her aspirations make her particularly unsuited to life on the ranch.

• Curley’s wife’s dream is a dream of escaping the harsh realities of life. In what ways does it parallel Lennie and George’s dream, and what is she trying to escape from?

• When she talks about her dream, what aspects of the movie star life does she focus on, and what do they tell us about her maturity?

Curley’s wife: “I think you’re nuts.”‘…he [Lennie] shook her; and her body flopped like a fish.’

[Describing Curley’s wife after her death] ‘And the meanness and the planning and the discontent…were all gone…She was very pretty and simple, and her face was sweet and young.’

• When Curley’s wife calls Lennie ‘nuts’, what does it suggest that she didn’t understand about him and his condition?

• When Curley’s wife first appears in the story it is as though she is a predator - with red lips and nails; however, by the end of the story she is described as a ‘flopping’ fish. What does this suggest about her actual status among the men?

• The description of Curley’s wife’s innocence after her death, is very different to her description at the start of the book. What does this final description tell us about what she was really like?

• Why do you think that Steinbeck gives Curley’s wife this sympathetic description at the end of the book?


POINT EVIDENCE

Curley’s wife: ‘Don’t you worry none. He was just a mutt. You can get another one easy. The whole country is fulla mutts.’

EXPLAIN/DISCUSS TECHNIQUES/LINKS

Curley’s wife: ‘I getawful lonely… I ain’t used to livin’ like this. I couldamade something’ of myself…I don’t like Curley. He ain’ta nice fella.

…Coulda been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes - all the nice clothes they wear.’

Curley’s wife: “I think you’re nuts.”‘…he [Lennie] shook her; and her body flopped like a fish.’

[Describing Curley’s wife after her death] ‘And the meanness and the planning and the discontent…were all gone…She was very pretty and simple, and her face was sweet and young.’

Key images linked with Curley’s wife at different pointsin the narrative. ‘[she wore] red mules [with]

little bouquets of red ostrich feathers’

‘Don’t you even take a look at that bitch…’

Curley’s Wife: ‘Well, if that’s all you want, I might get a couple of rabbits myself.’

‘[Lennie] shook her; and her body flopped like a fish.’

‘A water snake glided smoothly up the pool…A silent head and beak lanced down and plucked it out by the head’

The Characters’ Dreams

KEY THEMES IN OF MICE AND

MENMake some detailed and relevant comments on how language, themes

and characterisation are used. (Grade D)




WHAT ARE THE MAIN THEMES IN OF MICE AND MEN ?

Make some detailed and relevant comments on how language, themes






- LONELINESS- POWERLESSNESS (HAVING NO POWER)- LOSS OF PARADISE - FATE AND CIRCULARITY- DREAMS- NATURE- LACK OF COMPASSION (AN UNCARING WORLD)






KEY THEMES IN OF MICE AND MEN

LONELINESS

In addition to dreams, humans crave contact with others to give life meaning.

Loneliness is present throughout this novel. On the most obvious level, we see

this isolation when the ranch workers go into town on Saturday night to ease

their loneliness with alcohol and women. Similarly, Lennie goes into Crook's

room to find someone with whom to talk, and later Curley's wife comes for

the same reason. Crooks says, "A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. Don't

make no difference who the guy is, long's he's with you." Even Slim mentions,

"I seen the guys that go around on the ranches alone. That ain't no good. They

don't have no fun. After a long time they get mean."

George's taking care of Lennie and the dream of the farm are attempts to

break the pattern of loneliness that is part of the human condition. Similarly,

Lennie's desire to pet soft things comes from his need to feel safe and secure,

to touch something that gives him that feeling of comfort and not being alone

in the world. George and Lennie, however, are not the only characters who

struggle against loneliness. Although present in all the characters to some

degree, the theme of loneliness is also shown in Candy, Crooks, and Curley's

wife. They all fight against their isolation in whatever way they can. Until its

death, Candy's dog stopped Candy from being alone in the world. After its

death, Candy struggles against loneliness by sharing in George and Lennie's

dream.

Curley's wife is also lonely; she is the only female on the ranch, and her

husband has forbidden anyone to talk with her. She combats her

loneliness by flirting with the ranch hands.

Crooks is isolated because of his skin colour. As the only black man on

the ranch, he is not allowed into the bunkhouse with the others, and he

does not associate with them. He combats his loneliness with books

and his work, but even he realises that these things are no substitute

for human companionship: "A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody”.

Steinbeck reinforces the theme of loneliness in subtle and not so subtle

ways. In the vicinity of the ranch, for example, is the town of Soledad.

The town's name, not accidentally, means ‘loneliness’. Also, the other

men’s reactions to George and Lennie travelling together emphasises

hoe lonely most of the men are. When George and Lennie arrive at the

ranch, four other characters — the boss, Candy, Crooks, and Slim — all

comment on how suspicious it seems that two men travel together

from ranch to ranch. This companionship seems strange and, according

to the boss and Curley, George and Lennie’s relationship seems

dubious. This is because neither the boss nor Curley can possibly

consider that George might be selflessly helping Lennie.







POWERLESSNESS

Steinbeck's characters are often the underdogs. The four weak characters

represent the main forms of social disability in the story: Lennie – mental

handicap; Candy – age discrimination and physical handicap; Crooks – racial

discrimination and physical handicap; Curley’s wife – sex discrimination.

Steinbeck shows compassion toward these characters, but shows how

hopeless life can be for them.

LENNIE AS THE ‘BEAR’

Although Lennie is physically strong and would therefore seem to represent

someone of power, the only power Lennie possesses is physical. Because of

his mental handicap and his child-like way of perceiving the world, he is

powerless against his urges and the forces that threaten him. For example, he

knows what it is to be good, and he doesn't want to be bad, but he lacks the

mental power that would help him to understand how he could avoid

dangerous situations. Because of this Lennie has to rely on George to protect

him. However George, i is also powerless, since he can’t protect Lennie every

hour of every day, and because of this George cannot protect Lennie from

himself (as we see at the end of the story).

‘I SEEN GUYS NEARLY CRAZY WITH LONELINESS’ (CROOKS’ COMMENT ABOUT

THE RANCH WORKERS)

Another type of powerlessness is economic. Because the ranch hands are

victims of a society where they cannot get ahead economically. They struggle

again and again, but since they don’t work together (because they are afraid

to share their vulnerability), they are doomed to fail.

As Crooks explains, "I seen guys nearly crazy with loneliness for land, but ever'

time a whorehouse or a blackjack game took what it takes." In other words, it

is part of the human condition to always want easy pleasures rather than to

work for tomorrow. As long as the men spend their money every weekends,

they will continue to be powerless. However, they are drawn to the company

of whisky and whores through their despair and lack of real companionship.

Furthermore, the men are paid so little that it is difficult to save enough to

make their dreams come true.

‘GOLD-RIMMED GLASSES HANGING FROM A NAIL’ (SYMBOLIC OF THE THREAT

OF HANGING TO CROOKS).

Crooks represents another type of powerlessness. As the sole black man on

the ranch, he is isolated from the others, and, in ways that the others are not,

subject to their whim. This is never more apparent than when Curley's wife

threatens to have him lynched. Despite his dignity, Crooks shrinks into himself

.for self-protection when he is threatened. This contrasts with Lennie who

needs George when he is threatened (his surrogate parent).







DREAMS

In essence, Of Mice and Men is as much a story about the nature

of human dreams and aspirations and the forces that work

against them as it is the story of two men. Humans give meaning

to their lives — and to their futures — by creating dreams.

Without dreams and goals, life is an endless stream of days that

have little connection or meaning. George and Lennie's dream —

to own a little farm of their own — is so central to Of Mice and

Men that it appears in some form in five of the six chapters. In

fact, the telling of the story, which George has done so often,

becomes a ritual between the two men: George provides the

narrative, and Lennie, who has difficulty remembering even

simple instructions, picks up the refrain by finishing George's

sentences.

To George, this dream of having their own place means

independence, security, being their own boss, and, most

importantly, being "somebody." To Lennie, the dream is like the

soft animals he pets: It means security, the responsibility of

tending to the rabbits, and a sanctuary where he won't have to

be afraid.

To Candy, it offers security for old age and a home where he will

fit in. For Crooks, the little farm will be a place where he can have

self-respect, acceptance, and security. For each man — George,

Lennie, Candy, and Crooks — human dignity is an integral part of

the dream.

Having and sharing the dream, however, are not enough to bring

it to fruition. Each man must make a sacrifice or battle some

other force that seeks, intentionally or not, to steal the dream

away. Initially, the obstacles are difficult but not insurmountable:

staying out of trouble, not spending money on liquor or in

bordellos, and working at the ranch long enough to save the

money for a down payment. But greater obstacles soon become

apparent. Some of these obstacles are external (the threat from

Curley's wife and Curley's violence, for example, as well as the

societal prejudices that plague each man); others are internal

(such as Lennie's strength and his need to touch soft things). For

George, the greatest threat to the dream is Lennie himself;

ironically, it is Lennie who also makes the dream worthwhile.







THE LOSS OF PARADISE

There are parallels between the biblical tale of Adam and Eve and the

events that transpire in Of Mice and Men. Of particular interest are the

nature of imperfect humans, the presence of temptation, and the

consequences of doing, as Lennie would say, a "bad thing."

The story of Adam and Eve's fall from grace is a tale of how even our "best

laid plans" go astray because of the imperfections and flaws that people

have.

The “bad things” that people do make it impossible for humans to achieve

the beauty and harmony of Eden. Lennie’s desire to touch soft things and

his inability to foresee the results of his actions put him on a collision

course with other human beings. While he sometimes realises he has

"done a bad thing," he is often unaware of what he is doing. The girl in

Weed and Curley's wife are both temptations that encouraged Lennie’s

innocent curiosity, until he can resist no longer and goes too far.

Curley's wife also has a part to play, as the serpent in the garden. She is

temptation — a temptress and manipulator of men. She tries to use her

sexual power to get her way; mainly because she has no other power

available to her. She could also be compared to Eve in the Garden of Eden,

always looking for more, and wanting something better.

From the moment Curley’s wife realises that Lennie is the "machine" that

hurt her husband, she is attracted to his strength. When they talk in the

barn, she invites him to touch her soft hair, in order to draw him closer to

her. However, she doesn’t realise the risks and potential consequences if

such intimacy. Just like Eve didn’t realise the risks and consequences when

she accepted the apple from the snake. Curley's wife tempts Lennie, in the

hope that he might help her to get closer to achieving her dream; however,

her actions cause her, Lennie, George and Candy to lose their dream. All

lost for the sake Curley’s wife being tempted with thoughts of power and

escape.

Adam and Eve are thrown out of Eden as a punishment for disobeying God.

At the end of the story the innocent characters of George and Candy suffer

the punishment of loneliness and loss for Lennie and Curley’s wife’s ‘sins’.

In the harsh world of Steinbeck’s story it is the innocent one’s who are

made to suffer for the wrong-doing of others. This all shows that it was a

very unjust society.







NATURE

Steinbeck also uses nature images to reinforce his

themes and to set the mood. In Chapter 1, for example,

before Lennie and George get to the ranch, George

decides they will stay at the pond overnight. This pool is

a place of timeless innocence, a sanctuary away from

the world of humans. If Lennie gets in trouble, it is the

place to which he should return. In this scene, nature is

a place of safety, a haven from the troubles of the

world.

When Lennie returns to the pond in the last scene,

nature is not so tranquil. The sun has left the valley, and

a heron captures and swallows a water snake "while its

tail waved frantically." The wind now rushes and drives

through the trees in gusts, and the dry leaves fall from

the sycamore.

Instead of a place of happiness, dream retelling, and

fellowship — as it was at the beginning — the pond is

now a place of loneliness, hostility, and death. Here,

nature reflects the mood of what people have done in

the valley: brought loneliness, hostility, and death.

These kind of details show Steinbeck's feelings about

what man does to nature: changes it from a free place

of beauty and bounty to an unwelcoming place of

hostility and threat.







FATE AND CIRCULARITY

Just when it appears that George and Lennie will get their farm, fate

steps in. Lennie just happens to be in the barn burying his dead pup

when Curley's wife comes in. In this case, fate is given a hand by

Lennie's inability to control his strength and understand what to do.

Nevertheless, often life seems unpredictable and full of overwhelming

difficulties.

Just like Candy’s dog was powerless to escape its fate - neither Lennie,

George, Candy nor Curley’s wife are able to escape theirs.

CIRCULARITY IN THE STORY WHICH SHOWS THAT THE CHARACTERS

CANNOT ESCAPE THEIR FATE

NO ESCAPE FOR LENNIE AND GEORGE: The story begins at the river

with Lennie and George moving to Solidad (which means loneliness)

after they were run out of Weed. The novel ends with a posse chasing

Lennie of the second time. This stands for the friends' futility in trying

to move ahead in life, and the fact that they can’t escape their fate

(never to achieve their dream). In chapter 6, Lennie gets blasted in the

back of the head by a bullet while being told about their dream farm.

This is symbolic of their life and their simple dream being

incompatible.

LENNIE’S CYCLE OF DESTRUCTION: Lennie is trapped in the cycle of his

need for comfort always ending in death. In chapter 2 Lennie gets a puppy.

In chapter 5 Lennie kills his puppy. In chapter 2 George warns Lennie to

stay away from Curley's wife. In chapter 5 Lennie kills Curley's wife.

FORESHADOWING OF DOOM: In the story Lennie and George’s dream is

always symbolically destroyed:

• Curley’s wife cuts off their sunlight in chapter 2;

• in chapter 3 Lennie, George and Candy’s hope of a bright future ends

violently with Curley attacking Lennie because he was smiling about

the beauty of their dream;

• in chapter 4 Candy brags to Curley’s wife that he has land and that

he isn’t afraid of being ‘canned’ (sacked from the ranch), However,

the scene ends with a deflated Candy being forced to admit to

Curley’s wife that he is actually powerless.

THE GREEN POOL (CHAPTERS 1 AND 6): The first and last scenes take place

at the green pool (a place of stagnant water) This is the place that has seen

thousands of itinerant workers wander through, which we can see from

the polished tree trunk where they have sat. But the green, unmoving

water shows that nothing really changes, and nothing moves on. All of the

men who pass though are trapped in a cycle of wandering, endless

loneliness which always ends badly.






LONELINESS IN OF MICE AND MEN






LENNIE GEORGE CURLEY’S WIFE CANDY

CURLEY CROOKS SLIM CARLSON

POWERLESSNESS IN OF MICE AND MEN








DREAMS IN OF MICE AND MEN








THE LOSS OF PARADISE IN OF MICE AND MEN








NATURE IN OF MICE AND MEN








FATE AND CIRCULARITY IN OF MICE AND MEN








WHICH IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THEME IN OF MICE AND MEN ?

WHY IS IT THE MOST IMPORTANT?






WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO IN ORDER TO SCORE FULL MARKS?

Section B (Extended Writing)

1.

2.

3.

4.

Section A (Extract)

1.

2.

3.

Make some detailed and relevant comments on how

language, themes and characterisation are used.

(Grade D)

Explore language, themes and characterisation in a consistent and confident way supported by relevant textual reference. (Grade C)

Show a clear understanding of how language, themes and characterisation achieve their effect and purpose, with close and detailed reference to the text. (Grade B)


Section A – the extract question

AO1• respond to texts critically

and imaginatively;• select and evaluate relevant

textual detail to illustrate and support interpretations

AO2• explain how language,

structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings

Band 4 (16-20 marks out of 30)

The pupil’s answer demonstrate a considered response to the question and the extract (AO1 & AO2)

The pupil’s answer includes details which demonstrate a convincing interpretation of the text (AO1)

The pupil’s answer shows that they have an appreciation of the writer’s use of language, form and structure and its effect on the reader (AO2)

The pupil’s answer shows thoughtful consideration of the ideas and themes in the text (AO2)


language, themes and characterisation are used. (Grade D)




Section B: the mini-essay questionAO1• respond to texts critically and

imaginatively;• select and evaluate relevant textual

detail to illustrate and support interpretations

AO2• explain how language, structure and

form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings

AO4• relate texts to their social, cultural and

historical contexts;

• explain how texts have been influential and significant to self, and other readers in different contexts and at different times.

Band 4 (16-20 marks out of 30)The pupil’s answer includes details which demonstrate a convincing interpretation of the text (AO1)


The pupil’s answer demonstrates thoughtful consideration in response to the ideas and themes in the text (AO1 & AO2)

The pupil’s answer shows a considered response to the social, cultural and historical context of the text, and have supported those ideas with relevant details (AO4)






Using PEEDL paragraphs and discussing context

• Point (linked to the question)

• Evidence (some detail or a quotation from the text

• Explain and discuss the ideas: making links with themes, characters, the structure of the story etc.

• Develop the most important ideas by focusing on some details of language, or other techniques used in the text.

• Link Context – link one or two of your points with the story’s context

• Link Question - link your main point back to the question

Make some detailed and relevant comments on

how language, themes and characterisation are

used. (Grade D)




EXAMPLE 3

Lennie’s first meeting with Curley is important, since it shows that there is an ever-present threat on the ranch for those who don’t fit in. Curley embodies the discrimination that is a threat to Lennie and Crooks. We had already discovered that there had been a racist attack on Crooks at a Christmas party, now we see that Lennie is immediately picked on because he is different to the other men. This creates tension for the reader, since we have already been made to feel sympathy for Lennie and his condition. In this scene, the reader’s empathy for Lennie is heightened when we see how distressed he is about Curley being threatening towards him. Steinbeck uses the word ‘squirmed’ to describe this, and also describes Lennie as a ‘lamb’ – emphasising his innocence and vulnerability. Vulnerability and the exploitation of vulnerability are key themes in story. At the time the novel was set, there was not any protection for men like Lennie, and they were vulnerable to other people taking advantage of them. Steinbeck uses George and the other vulnerable characters to highlight the difficult and hopelessness situations that such people are trapped in. This shows that the ranch runs on ‘the law of the jungle’, where only the fittest and strongest can survive. The conflict that arises out of these differences is one of the main causes of tension.

(Grade C+/B-)



(Grade D)










Draw arrows to the parts of the paragraph which match the details below:

Discuss the main causes of tension and conflict on the ranch in Of Mice and Men.

Top Tips

o Explain writer’s ideas clearly

o Use quotations to support points-PEEL

o Analyse language in more detail

o Analyse structure in more detail – refer to effects of sentences, punctuation, paragraphs.

o Analyse/refer to the impact of literary techniques: symbolism, metaphor, simile etc.

o Refer to the meaning of texts in more detail

o Refer in more detail to how the text engages and influences the reader






Now practice your own PEEL

• Briefly say what the situation it/what it is about

• What is the key technique

• Give evidence/quotation of technique

• Comment on meaning/deeper meaning

• The word ‘.....’ suggests/connotations

• Comment on punctuation/sentence/rhythm

• Effect on reader/ Refer to writer

• Link/compare to next quotation

• Power/authority






Section B: Extended Writing

Question

Discuss the main causes of tension and conflicton the ranch in Of Mice and Men.

Remember that your piece of extended writing must also refer to some aspects of the story’s context (three or four times in the essay)



used. (Grade D)




WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO DO IN ORDER TO SCORE FULL MARKS?

Section B (Extended Writing)

1.

2.

3.

4.

Section A (Extract)

1.

2.

3.



(Grade D)




Using PEEDL paragraphs and discussing context









used. (Grade D)





EXAMPLE 3

Lennie’s first meeting with Curley is important, since it shows that there is an ever-present threat on the ranch for those who don’t fit in. Curley embodies the discrimination that is a threat to Lennie and Crooks. We had already discovered that there had been a racist attack on Crooks at a Christmas party, now we see that Lennie is immediately picked on because he is different to the other men. This creates tension for the reader, since we have already been made to feel sympathy for Lennie and his condition. In this scene, the reader’s empathy for Lennie is heightened when we see how distressed he is about Curley being threatening towards him. Steinbeck uses the word ‘squirmed’ to describe this, and also describes Lennie as a ‘lamb’ – emphasising his innocence and vulnerability. Vulnerability and the exploitation of vulnerability are key themes in story. At the time the novel was set, there was not any protection for men like Lennie, and they were vulnerable to other people taking advantage of them. Steinbeck uses George and the other vulnerable characters to highlight the difficult and hopelessness situations that such people are trapped in. This shows that the ranch runs on ‘the law of the jungle’, where only the fittest and strongest can survive.

(Grade C+/B-)





(Grade D)




EXAMPLE 3

Lennie’s first meeting with Curley is important, since it shows that there is an ever-present threat on the ranch for those who don’t fit in. Curley embodies the discrimination that is a threat to Lennie and Crooks. We had already discovered that there had been a racist attack on Crooks at a Christmas party, now we see that Lennie is immediately picked on because he is different to the other men. This creates tension for the reader, since we have already been made to feel sympathy for Lennie and his condition. In this scene, the reader’s empathy for Lennie is heightened when we see how distressed he is about Curley being threatening towards him. Steinbeck uses the word ‘squirmed’ to describe this, and also describes Lennie as a ‘lamb’ – emphasising his innocence and vulnerability. Vulnerability and the exploitation of vulnerability are key themes in story. At the time the novel was set, there was not any protection for men like Lennie, and they were vulnerable to other people taking advantage of them. Steinbeck uses George and the other vulnerable characters to highlight the difficult and hopelessness situations that such people are trapped in. This shows that the ranch runs on ‘the law of the jungle’, where only the fittest and strongest can survive. The conflict that arises out of these differences is one of the main causes of tension.

(Grade C+/B-)



(Grade D)










Draw arrows to the parts of the paragraph which match the details below:


READ THE COMMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN WRITTEN ONTO YOUR SECTION B ANSWER.

ADD THE ADDITIONAL DETAILS THAT ARE REQUESTED IN ODER TO IMPROVE YOUR GRADE

IMPROVING YOUR GRADE



used. (Grade D)






(Grade D)




SECTION A – THE EXTRACT QUESTION

The bunkhouse was a long, rectangular building. Inside, the walls

were whitewashed and the floor unpainted. In three walls there were

small, square windows, and in the fourth, a solid door with a wooden

latch. Against the walls were eight bunks, five of them made up with

blankets and the other three showing their burlap ticking. Over each

bunk there was nailed an apple box with the opening forward so that it

made two shelves for the personal belongings of the occupant of the

bunk. And these shelves were loaded with little articles, soap and

talcum powder, razors and those Western magazines ranch men love to

read and scoff at and secretly believe. And there were medicines on

the shelves, and little vials, combs; and from nails on the box sides,

a few neckties. Near one wall there was a black cast-iron stove, its

stovepipe going straight up through the ceiling. In the middle of

the room stood a big square table littered with playing cards, and

around it were grouped boxes for the players to sit on.

At about ten o'clock in the morning the sun threw a bright

dust-laden bar through one of the side windows, and in and out of

the beam flies shot like rushing stars.

The wooden latch raised. The door opened and a tall,

stoop-shouldered old man came in. He was dressed in blue jeans and

he carried a big push-broom in his left hand. Behind him came

George, and behind George, Lennie.

"The boss was expectin' you last night," the old man said. "He was

sore as hell when you wasn't here to go out this morning." He

pointed with his right arm, and out of the sleeve came a round

stick-like wrist, but no hand. "You can have them two beds there,"

he said, indicating two bunks near the stove.

George stepped over and threw his blankets down on the burlap sack

of straw that was a mattress. He looked into his box shelf and then

picked a small yellow can from it.

"Say. What the hell's this?"

"I don't know," said the old man.

"Says 'positively kills lice, roaches and other scourges.' What

the hell kind of bed you giving us, anyways. We don't want no pants

rabbits."

How does Steinbeck use details in this passage to present the bunkhouse and its inhabitants?

Section A – the extract question

AO1• respond to texts critically

and imaginatively;• select and evaluate relevant

textual detail to illustrate and support interpretations

AO2• explain how language,

structure and form contribute to writers’ presentation of ideas, themes and settings

Band 4 (16-20 marks out of 30)

The pupil’s answer demonstrate a considered response to the question and the extract (AO1 & AO2)

The pupil’s answer includes details which demonstrate a convincing interpretation of the text (AO1)


The pupil’s answer shows thoughtful consideration of the ideas and themes in the text (AO2)







EXAMPLE 3

Lennie’s first meeting with Curley is important, since it shows that there is an ever-present threat on the ranch for those who don’t fit in. Curley embodies the discrimination that is a threat to Lennie and Crooks. We had already discovered that there had been a racist attack on Crooks at a Christmas party, now we see that Lennie is immediately picked on because he is different to the other men. This creates tension for the reader, since we have already been made to feel sympathy for Lennie and his condition. In this scene, the reader’s empathy for Lennie is heightened when we see how distressed he is about Curley being threatening towards him. Steinbeck uses the word ‘squirmed’ to describe this, and also describes Lennie as a ‘lamb’ – emphasising his innocence and vulnerability. Vulnerability and the exploitation of vulnerability are key themes in story. Steinbeck uses Lennie and the other vulnerable characters to highlight the difficult and hopelessness situations that such people are trapped in. This shows that the ranch runs on ‘the law of the jungle’, where only the fittest and strongest can survive.

(Grade C+/B-)





(Grade D)




PEER ASSESSMENT

• UNDERLINE THE PART OF THE ANSWER THAT WOULD BENEFIT MOST FROM IMPROVEMENT.

• AT THE END OF THE ANSWER STATE WHAT NEEDS TO BE CHANGED OR ADDED IN THAT SECTION.



used. (Grade D)




SECTION 2 – THE EXTRACT QUESTION



used. (Grade D)




REACTIONS TO CURLEY’S WIFE’S DEATH IN SECTION 5 AND THE OPENING PART OF SECTION 6

CANDY’S REACTION TO CURLEY’S WIFE’S DEATHWhen Candy is on his own with Curley’s Wife’s body, just after he has shown George, Candy says to the body: “You God damn tramp, he said viciously. You done it din’t you. I spose your glad. Everybody knowed you’d mess things up. You wasn’t no good. You ain’t no good now, you lousy tart.”

Why does Candy continue to be negative about Curley’s wife, even now that she’s dead?

THE SETTING FOR SECTION 6 AND ITS LINKS WITH SECTION 1

EXTRACT FROM SECTION 1‘The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight before reaching the narrow pool. On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees--willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of winter's flooding’

EXTRACT FROM SECTION 6‘The deep green pool of the Salinas River was still in the late afternoon. (…) A far rush of wind sounded and a gust drove through the tops of the trees like a wave ..dry leaves on the floor scudded a few feet. And row on row of tiny wind waves flowed up the pool’s green surface. A water snake glided smoothly up the pool, twisting its periscope head from side to side; and it swam the length of the pool and came to the legs of a motionless heron that stood in the shallows. A silent head and beak lanced down and plucked it out by the head, and the beak swallowed the little snake while its tail waved frantically.’

Give examples of how the descriptions of the valley in Section 1 and Section 6 contrast with one another in the two extracts above.

How does the mood differ in each of the extracts, and why does Steinbeck want to create this contrast?

What is the purpose of the heron and snake detail, and what does it foreshadowand symbolise?

CURLEY’S REACTION TO HIS WIFE’S DEATHIn what way does Curley express his grief, when he sees his wife’s body? What does Curley’s attitude tell us about his feelings for his wife?

What is Curley’s main focus after his wife’s death?

What does it tell us about how Curley wants Lennie to die when he says to Carlson: “shoot for his guts”… Curley’s face reddened …he said, “I’m gonna shoot the guts outta that big bastard myself, even I only got one hand. I’m gonna get im.”

Why is it significant that Curley mentions his hand in this quote. What does it tell us about his motives?







CANDY’S REACTION TO CURLEY’S WIFE’S DEATH

When Candy is on his own with Curley’s Wife’s body, just after he has shown George, Candy says to the body: “You God damn tramp, he said viciously. You done it din’t you. I spose your glad. Everybody knowed you’d mess things up. You wasn’t no good. You ain’t no good now, you lousy tart.”

Why does Candy continue to be negative about Curley’s wife, even now that she’s dead?







CURLEY’S REACTION TO HIS WIFE’S DEATHIn what way does Curley express his grief, when he sees his wife’s body? What does Curley’s attitude tell us about his feelings for his wife?

What is Curley’s main focus after his wife’s death?

What does it tell us about how Curley wants Lennie to die when he says to Carlson: “shoot for his guts”… Curley’s face reddened …he said, “I’m gonna shoot the guts outta that big bastard myself, even I only got one hand. I’m gonna get im.”

Why is it significant that Curley mentions his hand in this quote. What does it tell us about his motives?







THE SETTING FOR SECTION 6 AND ITS LINKS WITH SECTION 1

EXTRACT FROM SECTION 1‘The water is warm too, for it has slipped twinkling over the yellow sands in the sunlight before reaching the narrow pool. On one side of the river the golden foothill slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan Mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees--willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures the debris of winter's flooding’

EXTRACT FROM SECTION 6‘The deep green pool of the Salinas River was still in the late afternoon. (…) A far rush of wind sounded and a gust drove through the tops of the trees like a wave ..dry leaves on the floor scudded a few feet. And row on row of tiny wind waves flowed up the pool’s green surface. A water snake glided smoothly up the pool, twisting its periscope head from side to side; and it swam the length of the pool and came to the legs of a motionless heron that stood in the shallows. A silent head and beak lanced down and plucked it out by the head, and the beak swallowed the little snake while its tail waved frantically.’

Give examples of how the descriptions of the valley in Section 1 and Section 6 contrast with one another in the two extracts above.

How does the mood differ in each of the extracts, and why does Steinbeck want to create this contrast?

What is the purpose of the heron and snake detail, and what does it foreshadowand symbolise?






LENNIE’S DEATH AND THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SECTION 6 IN THE STORY

WHEN GEORGE FINDS LENNIE AT THE GREEN POOLWhen George finds Lennie hiding in the brush next to the green pool, George isn’t angry. Lennie asks George to tell him “Bout the other guys an about us”. Lennie asks for George to talk about this to comfort him. Lennie also asks George to tell him “How it gonnabe.” (about when they get their farm). Lennie’s last words are: “Let’s do it now. Let’s get that place now.”

What is the significance of Lennie dying after saying this, and that his last thoughts were about achieving their dream?

Why did George choose this moment to kill Lennie?

GEORGE KILLS LENNIEBefore George kills Lennie, Steinbeck writes that George’s ‘hand shook violently’ and after shooting Lennie George threw the gun away. What does this suggest about how George felt, and how does it contrast with Curley’s attitude towards killing Lennie?

What is the significance of George killing Lennie with the same gun that Carlson usedto kill Candy’s dog? What links is this making?

HOW OTHER CHARACTERS’ REACTION TO LENNIE’S DEATHJust after Lennie’s death, the men from the ranch catch up with George. Slim tells George: “You hadda George. I swear you hadda.” What judgement do Slim’s words make about George’s actions?

How does George’s treatment of Lennie mark him out as being different from Candy’s treatment of his dog earlier in the story (when Candy’s dog was killed)? What does this tell us about the differences between George and Candy?

When Carlson sees Slim and George looking saddened after Lennie’s death, he comments: ”Now what you suppose is eatin’ them two guys?” These are also the last words in the novel. What do Carlson’s comments suggest about his attitude towards Lennie’s death and the value of life in California at that time?

THE GREEN POOL: THE SETTING FOR LENNIE’S DEATHWhy did Steinbeck choose to set the very beginning of the novel and the very end at the green pool? What does this tell us about the story?

The green pool is also a symbol, standing for the Californian society of the 1930s, what does the symbol of the green water suggest about California at that time?







WHEN GEORGE FINDS LENNIE AT THE GREEN POOL

When George finds Lennie hiding in the brush next to the green pool, George isn’t angry. Lennie asks George to tell him “Bout the other guys an about us”. Lennie asks for George to talk about this to comfort him. Lennie also asks George to tell him “How it gonna be.” (about when they get their farm). Lennie’s last words are: “Let’s do it now. Let’s get that place now.”

What is the significance of Lennie dying after saying this, and that his last thoughts were about achieving their dream?

Why did George choose this moment to kill Lennie?







GEORGE KILLS LENNIEBefore George kills Lennie, Steinbeck writes that George’s ‘hand shook violently’ and after shooting Lennie George threw the gun away. What does this suggest about how George felt, and how does it contrast with Curley’s attitude towards killing Lennie?

What is the significance of George killing Lennie with the same gun that Carlson usedto kill Candy’s dog? What links is this making?







HOW OTHER CHARACTERS’ REACTION TO LENNIE’S DEATH

Just after Lennie’s death, the men from the ranch catch up with George. Slim tells George: “You hadda George. I swear you hadda.” What judgement do Slim’s words make about George’s actions?

How does George’s treatment of Lennie mark him out as being different from Candy’s treatment of his dog earlier in the story (when Candy’s dog was killed)? What does this tell us about the differences between George and Candy?

When Carlson sees Slim and George looking saddened after Lennie’s death, he comments: ”Now what you suppose is eatin’ them two guys?” These are also the last words in the novel. What do Carlson’s comments suggest about his attitude towards Lennie’s death and the value of life in California at that time?







THE GREEN POOL: THE SETTING FOR LENNIE’S DEATH

Why did Steinbeck choose to set the very beginning of the novel and the very end at the green pool? What does this tell us about the story?

The green pool is also a symbol, standing for the Californian society of the 1930s, what does the symbol of the green water suggest about California at that time?






KEY DETAILS IN OF MICE AND

MEN






Eden Lost•Salinas valley•The ‘dream’ farm•Lennie’s death among nature






Lennie as a ‘bear’






The ‘rat trap’• “she’s purty”• “I ain’t never seen no piece of jailbait

worse then her”

• “I like machines”

• ”I might get a couple rabbits myself”

• ‘She took Lennie’s hand and put it on her head’






Fish• ‘Curley was flopping like a fish on a line’

• ‘her body flopped like a fish’






Crooks• ‘tattered dictionary…mauled copy

of the California• “You got no right come in my room’• “S’pose George don’t come back no

more”• “A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got

nobody”






Loneliness• George: ”Guys like us…are the

loneliest guys in the world• Curley’s wife: “I get awful

lonely”• Candy• Crooks






Contrasting characters

•George vs. Lennie

•George vs. Curley

•Curley’s wife vs. Candy






Hands•Candy•Curley•Lennie






Dogs• The drowned pups• Curley’s wife is called a ‘bitch’• Carlson kills Candy’s dog• Lennie kills a pup• George kills Lennie with the

same gun used to kill Candy’s dog






Foreshadowing

• Running from Weed• Killing mice and pups• ‘she cut off the light’• Candy’s dog’s death• The heron and the snake






Circularity

• Worsening cycles of violence

• No way out

• The green pool






Compassion vs. Cruelty (love and caring towards others)

CompassionGeorgeAunt ClaraSlim

CrueltyCurleyCarlsonCurley’s wife






The final sectionHow does Steinbeck create foreboding (a feeling that something bad will happen) in section 6?

‘The life climbed out of the valley.’







- LONELINESS- POWERLESSNESS (HAVING NO POWER)- LOSS OF PARADISE - FATE AND CIRCULARITY- DREAMS- NATURE- LACK OF COMPASSION (AN UNCARING WORLD)






What is the main message in the

story?






Of mice and men - activities and analysis

Education

Transcript of Of mice and men - activities and analysis