novel, novella: new genre 817th cent.

Discussion Questions: Of Mice and Men (1937), Page 1-59

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1. Focus on the two opening paragraphs and discuss the detailed description of the setting. For what
reason(s) might John Steinbeck choose to open the novella in this way? What ideas or feelings is the
description supposed to convey in your opinion? rosius John-soledad <spanish for solitudes
setting dogs great depression, sycamore -
spiritually reborn
2. Discuss the characterization of the two protagonists in the first half of the novel. What are both of them
like? While you are at it, also discuss the dynamics of their relationship. For example, would you say that
this is a loving or an abusive relationship? Why?

3. “Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. […] With us it ain’t like that. We
got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us”
American dream. The great depression (1929), Upward social mobility
Focus on George’s speech starting on page 15. How does the speech convey not just the social situation
of those who are like George and Lennie, but also the main conflicts that drive the plot of the novella?

4. How does the first part of the novel depict people in the working class on the aspects of their working
and living conditions? Focus on the portrayal of the bunk house and the men’s conversations when they
are together. Note that these conditions can also be revealed to us through the kind of dreams that they
cherish. Be sure to support your answer with a few specific examples from the text. poliness of working class, wooing
precarious life

5. Focus on the descriptions of Curley given both by the narrator and the characters in the story. What
group of people or what ideas do you think Curley represents, considering his status on the ranch and the
way he comports himself? Why does Steinbeck put him up against such a character as Slim? more powerful
voliness, men's trophy
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6. Consider the characterization of Curley’s wife beginning on page 34. What do you predict will be her
significance to the entire plot of the story. What type of character does she represent? Do you agree with
the way these male characters describe her? wayo-danowman, wosawa.vacasas, uwmon, Midranimate conflict
borsawricardwristw
7. What does Candy’s old dog symbolize? Why does the plot highlight its killing in this first half of the
novella as a discriminated occasion? Observe the reactions of the men in the bunk house during the
dog’s killing. Compare this to page 39 when Slim casually mentions how he has drowned four newborn
puppies and kept only the biggest.

8. To continue the discussion of animal symbolism, what are the significance of various other animals
Lennie
candy
I Carlson
slim within the novella, including mice, rabbits, and puppies? You might also focus on the novella’s title Of
of n8Wn00N,208 Mice and Men while contemplating this topic. How can we describe human and animal relationship in this
cennie &oeorge
novella?

9. What do you make of the following elements? In other words, for what reason(s) should they be
mentioned in the story? What ideas could each of them convey that are related to the themes in the first
half of the novella?

9.1 Whitey (page 21) represent neriwacawrorotelo or middle class values

9.2 Bill Tenner (page 52) owoon of ad
9.3 Old Susy’s Place (pages 58-59) entertainment acade, ofcycle of life ofwoodedoda