Of Mice and Men Study Guide

Steinbeck introduces two main characters on page 2. How are the men both alike and different? - Answer- George and Lennie were introdcued on page 2. The two men are alike in that they both work as itinerant laborers, moving from place to place in search of work during the Great Depression. George is intelligent and quick-witted, while Lennie is slow and childlike in his thinking. How can we tell that George needs to take care of Lennie? - Answer- Lennie is mentally disabled and requires care and guidance from George. Lennie acts like a child petting a dead mouse. George does all talking at interview. Why do the men need a work card from an employment agency? - Answer- They are itinerant laborers, which means they travel from place to place in search of work. Without a work card, the men cannot legally work. Why does Lennie want to hide the dead mouse from George, and what is George' reaction? - Answer- He likes to pet soft things and he wants to keep it as a pet. His strength and lack of awareness of his own power often lead him to accidentally kill the things he likes. This is something that George knows all too well and tries to prevent whenever he can. George's reaction is angry because he knows Lenni's actions will likely get them into trouble. What is George feeling when he explodes at Lennie on page 11, and how does he feel when his anger passes? - Answer- Lennie has been drinking water from a stagnant pool, which could make them both sick and unable to work. George, who is responsible for looking after Lennie, becomes frustrated and angry with him because he has repeatedly told Lennie not to drink from stagnant water sources. When George's anger passes, he feels guilty and ashamed for losing his temper with Lennie. He apologizes to Lennie and tries to make up for his outburst by reassuring him that he is not mad at him, but rather at the situation. What did Lennie do to the girl in Weed? - Answer- Lennie unintentionally frightened and hurt a young woman. Lennie was fascinated by the girl's soft dress and tried to touch it. When the girl became scared and tried to pull away, Lennie did not understand his own strength and accidentally held on too tightly Why does George tell Lennie to hide by the river in case he gets into trouble? - Answer- George knows that Lennie's strength and childlike nature can get them into difficult situations. George has a sense of responsibility towards Lennie, and he understands that he needs to protect him from himself and others. George is trying to ensure that Lennie will be safe and that he can come to his aid if needed. Why is the boss angry with George and Lennie? - Answer- They arrived late to the ran