Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck (a novel)
(1) In reading the novel, the following are themes that demand close attention.
(a) loneliness (b) the American dream (c) friendship
(2) There are several morals/lessons/applications that can be learned from Of Mice and Men.
Explain each of the following statements directly connecting it to the character or
characters to whom it applies.
(a) People need others in order to survive.
(b) A man’s ability to dream is directly attached to having someone to share the
dream with.
(c) Sometime, even though it’s not what you want, you have to do what’s best
for you and those you love.
Answer in complete sentences
(3) Why does George “take so much trouble for another guy?”
(4) Why is the dream recited repeatedly?
(5) What does Slim mean when he says, “A guy got to sometimes?”
(6) Why does the novel begin and end at the pond?
(7) Why does Candy feel he should have shot the dog himself?
(8) Is Curley’s wife to blame for what happens to Lennie?
(9) Why doesn’t Slim share in the other men’s dreams?
(10) Why does Carlson get the last word?
(11) What is the meaning of the novel’s title? From what poem by
what author does Steinbeck take the title?
(12) Describe each of the following characters in a brief, but developed,
paragraph.
(a) George Milton (e) Curley’s Wife (i) The Boss
(b) Lennie Small (f) Crooks (j) Aunt Clara
(c) Candy (g) Slim
(d) Curley (h) Carlson
(13) There is symbolism in the novel. (Symbols are objects, characters, figures, or colors
used to represent abstract ideas or concepts.) Explain what these three symbols mean in
the novel:
(a) George and Lennie’s farm
(b) Lennie’s puppy
(c) Candy’s dog
Can you find any other symbols in the novel? List and explain them.
(14) Describe the setting of the novel. Be specific in your description of various
places. Where does the novel open? What is the bunkhouse? Describe Crooks’
room. Describe the barn.
(15) There are several examples of...