Of Mice and MenChapter 3

By John Steinbeck

Slim (copy the notes and answer the questions) “Godlike eyes” simile “Slim’s opinions were law” metaphor

What does this tell us about Slim? Why does Candy let Carlson shoot his dog?

Lennie- Animal Motif (copy notes) Lennie’s hands are often described as

“paws” by Steinbeck which gives the reader a sense of their enormity. This is one way in which Lennie is likened to animals in the book, such as the pups. Like the animals, Lennie is very physical and reacts on instinct, on emotions like fear, not on thought. For example, when he crushes Curley’s hand, he did not want to hurt Curley. He was frightened and only followed George’s commands.

Lennie’s Animal Motif Paragraph is a S.E.X. paragraphDO THIS: Highlight the Statement (colour 1) Highlight the Explanation (colour 2) Highlight the eXample (colour 3) WRITE- the Analysis and YOUR OPINION

“Steinbeck is trying to communicate the idea that …”

“This makes me think…”

Comprehension and Analysis

1. What is the significance of Steinbeck’s phrase “George’s voice was taking on the tone of confession” when George tells Slim about Lennie jumping into the Sacramento River?

2. What does Lennie do in the bunk house that leads Slim to conclude Lennie has the mental age of a child?

Comprehension and Analysis

3. What does Carlson’s persistence about shooting Candy’s dog tell us about his character?

4. Describe the bunk house when Carlson leaves with the dog.

5.Why do you think Lennie allows Curley to beat him up before fighting back?

6. Why is it better for Curley to pretend he got his hand caught in the machine, as Slim suggests, rather than say the truth that Lennie crushed it?

Themes- S.E.X.Y. Answer needed1. Do you think Carlson did the right thing in

shooting Candy’s dog?

S- Repeat the key words in the question and then use the word “because”.

E- Explain what you mean.

X- Give at least one quotation as an example and give details about this part of the book.

A- Author analysis

Y- Your opinion.

Achieved Template

S- I think Carlson did the ______ thing shooting Candy’s dog because…

E- This means…

X- This is shown in Chapter 3 when… An example of this is when Steinbeck writes…

A- Steinbeck chose to include this to show the reader….

Y- I think Steinbeck is trying to communicate the idea that…

NCEA 2009- Extended Text

6. Describe ONE character or individual that you admired or disliked in the text.

Explain how the writer made you admire or dislike this character or individual.

Chose from Slim or Carlson

Achieved Template for NCEA Q 2009

Slim was a character I admired because…

The writer, Steinbeck made me admire Slim by…

This is shown in Chapter 3 when…

For example, Steinbeck used the phrase… “….”

Steinbeck is trying to communicate the idea that… I think…

S

E

X

A

Y

Plot Graph: Rising Action

Tension

Start------------------------------------------------End

Time

Chapter 1:George and Lennie are introduced, desires are shared

Chapter 2:Achieving desires is complicated

Chapter 3: The tension and stakes are raised. Candy joins the plan, Lennie gets in trouble.