Of Mice and MenOf Mice and Men Chapter Questions

Before Chapter One: Before Chapter One: Journal FocusJournal Focus

Explain the relationship that exists between George and Lennie based on Chapter 1 of the book. Use quotes to support your answer.

After Chapter 1After Chapter 1Bellwork: Brainstorm! Based on what you read in Chapter 1

of OMAM, what is the relationship between George and Lennie? Brainstorm and come up with a TOPIC SENTENCE and QUOTATIONS that support your topic sentence.

Before Chapter Two: Before Chapter Two: Journal FocusJournal Focus

Describe the atmosphere (mood) of the ranch and bunkhouse. Be sure to include characteristics of different characters that were formally or informally introduced to us in this chapter.

After Chapter 2: BellworkAfter Chapter 2: Bellwork1. Based on what you read in Chapter One in Of Mice and Men, how would you describe their American Dream? Why is it important for their relationship?2. Find examples of both dehumanization and foreshadowing in Chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men. There are plenty of examples from which to choose, so pick the best examples you can find (note the page number).3. What is the mood at the end of chapter 2? List adjectives to describe it.

After Chapter TwoAfter Chapter TwoGroups- Find quotes to describe the

following:• Candy• Crooks• Candy’s Dog• Curley• The boss• Curley’s wife• Slim• Evidence of foreshadowing

Before reading Chapter ThreeBefore reading Chapter Three

TPS:

If your dog was old like Candy’s dog, would you put it to sleep or would you keep it alive until it died on its own?

Before Reading Chapter Before Reading Chapter Three: Journal FocusThree: Journal Focus

George & Lennie’s background The fate of Candy’s dog George & Lennie’s dream

There are some similarities between Candy and his dog and George and Lennie.

Chapter 3 Bellwork – middle Chapter 3 Bellwork – middle of the chapterof the chapter

1. What is the parallel between the girl in Weed and the puppy?

2. How does Lennie try to trick George in this chapter?

3. What is Candy’s internal conflict in this chapter?

4. Why did Steinbeck include the anecdote about the ranch hand named Whit and the letter to the editor of a magazine (46-47)?

End of End of OMAMOMAM Chapter 3 Chapter 3 Discussion Qs:Discussion Qs:

Why is “The Dream” important to Lennie & George’s relationship?

Why is Candy willing to chip in all his $?

What does Candy regret not doing? Why?

Explain what happens between Lennie and Curley. What is Slim’s role in ameliorating the situation?

1 quote + 1 question/connection/prediction

Before Chapter Four: Before Chapter Four: Journal FocusJournal Focus

How is the theme of loneliness developed in this chapter? Think about the characters Lennie, Crooks, Candy, and Curley’s wife.

After Chapter 4After Chapter 4 Why is Crooks deliberately cruel

towards Lennie at the beginning of the chapter?

How is each character dealing with loneliness?• Crooks, Candy, Curley’s wife

Which character do you feel is the most lonely? Why?

Chapter FiveChapter Five What are some parallels that you see in

this chapter?

Why does George have to give up the idea of the dream farm once Lennie kills Curley’s wife? Was the farm ever a real possibility?

Find the quote that most clearly signals the end of the dream.

Chapter 5 Discussion Chapter 5 Discussion Qs:Qs:

What is the quotation that, to you, most clearly identifies the end of “The Dream” in chapter 5?

Is Candy’s anger really aimed at Curley’s wife? If not, at who or what is he angry? (95-96)

What specific event would you identify as the climax of the novel? Find a quotation that highlights this moment.

What are your predictions for the ending of OMAM?* Take a few minutes to respond in writing on your own. We will discuss these pivotal events in groups and as a class – make sure you have something to contribute to the discussion!

Chapter SixChapter Six Why does the story begin and end in

the same place? The natural world is often described as beautiful and peaceful in the book, though it’s tempered with all sorts of awful occurrences. What role does the natural world actually play in the novella?

Philosophical ChairPhilosophical Chair Does George have the right to kill

Lennie? Legally? Ethically? How does Steinbeck’s treatment of

Lennie’s murder change the way the reader interprets the event?

What does George’s action suggest about justice – within the play and in the world as a whole?