Question

Throughout the chapter, Lennie and George are questioned 3 times about traveling together. Describe the 3 different encounters and what we learn about the characters through their responses to George's answer.

a) The encounters reveal that Lennie and George have a strained relationship.
b) The encounters showcase the suspicion and curiosity of other ranch workers.
c) The encounters show that Lennie and George have a troubled past.
d) The encounters highlight Lennie and George's secretive nature.

Answer 1

In the encounters, Lennie and George are questioned about traveling together. They reveal their close relationship and troubled past.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) Encounter 1:

Lennie and George are questioned by the boss of the ranch about traveling together. Lennie remains silent and lets George do all the talking, which shows Lennie's dependence on George. George explains that they are cousins and have been traveling together for a long time.

b) Encounter 2:

Lennie and George are questioned by Slim, one of the ranch workers. Slim is suspicious and curious about their relationship, as he notices how George takes care of Lennie and vice versa. George reveals that he knew Lennie's family and promised to take care of him.

c) Encounter 3:

Lennie and George are questioned by Curley, the boss's son. Curley is aggressively questioning them, suspecting that they may be up to no good. George gets defensive and protective of Lennie, revealing that they have had trouble in the past and have had to move around to find work.

Through these encounters, we learn that Lennie and George have a close relationship, with George taking on a caretaker role for Lennie. They have experienced trouble in the past and have had to stick together and be secretive about their situation at times.