Question

Source: Of Mice and Men

1. Briefly explain the relationship of the two men in the text. How do they feel about each other? How can you tell? Refer to one or more details from the text to support your answer.

2. How is the present situation of the men different from the vision they imagine in the future? How do they hope their lives will change in the future? Cite details in the text that support your answer.

3. Why do you think Lennie Wants George to tell him a story that he already knows by heart? Support your ideas and inferences with details from the text.

4. What does Lennie and George's final exchange before sleep-in which Lennie says, with hurt feelings, "I can jus' ad well go...an' live in a cave"-say about their thoughts of the future? Why are dreams for the future so important to people who are going through tough times? What makes these dreams worth pursuing? Highlight textual evidence and make annotations to explain your ideas.

5. Paragraphs 3 and 5 suggest many things about George's personality. What characteristics can be attributed to George's character based on the evidence from these two paragraphs?

Answer 1

The two men in the text, George and Lennie, are close friends and traveling companions. They are both migrant workers, and George serves as a caregiver and protector for Lennie, who has a mental disability. Despite the challenges that come with their relationship, George has a deep affection for Lennie and takes care of him despite his difficulties. This can be seen when George says, "Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world." (Chapter 1, Paragraph 3) This shows that despite the challenges, George values his relationship with Lennie.

The present situation of the men is one of struggle and hardship as they are constantly on the move, looking for work and trying to survive. In contrast, their vision for the future is one of stability, security, and a better life. They imagine owning a small farm and living off the land, a dream that George has been nurturing for a long time. This can be seen when George tells Lennie about their future plans, saying "We're gonna get a little place...An' live off the fatta the lan'" (Chapter 1, Paragraph 4)

Lennie wants George to tell him the story about their future farm because it gives him comfort and security. Lennie has a limited understanding of the world and is easily confused, but the story of the farm is something he knows and can hold onto. The repetition of the story helps Lennie feel safe and provides him with a sense of hope for the future.

Lennie and George's final exchange before sleep highlights the fragility of their dream. Despite their best efforts, their lives are still uncertain, and their future is far from guaranteed. The fact that Lennie says "I can jus' ad well go...an' live in a cave" shows that the dream is becoming increasingly unattainable and highlights the desperation and hopelessness that can come with difficult circumstances. Dreams for the future are important to people who are going through tough times because they provide hope, comfort, and a sense of purpose.

In paragraphs 3 and 5, George's personality can be described as caring, protective, and disillusioned. He is protective of Lennie and takes care of him despite his difficulties. At the same time, he is disillusioned with their situation and the loneliness that comes with being a migrant worker. He expresses this in the line, "Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world." (Chapter 1, Paragraph 3) This shows that George is a complex character who feels both love and frustration with his situation.