Name: Key

Mastery English 8

Date: __________________
Of Mice and Men
Chapter 2 Discussion Questions for Of Mice and Men

Directions: Complete the following questions using evidence from the text.
1. In this chapter, Steinbeck again begins with a description of the setting. Explain how this description is
different from the description of the setting at the beginning of chapter 1. What does this description tell
us about George and Lennies life?
The previous chapter describes a setting that is serene and peaceful. The second chapter opens up with a
description of the bunkhouse, and the living conditions that Lennie and George will deal with during their
time at the rance. This depicts the unstable reality of Lennie and Georges lives as migrant workers. (Page
17)

2. How does the old man describe the boss? What seems unusual about him?
The old man describes the boss as a nice fella (Steinbeck 20). Candy tells Lennie and George that he
brought a gallon of whiskey at Christmas and invited them to celebrate, which at the time would be very
unlikely behavior for a boss. Bosses typically would not take the time to get to know their workers because
they were often transient and unappreciated. (Page 20)

3. Why is Lennies last name ironic?

Lennies last name is Small, which is ironic because Lennie is characterized as a tremendous man. (Page
21)

4. Who is Curley and what does it mean when Candy says he is handy?
Curley is the bosss son. Candy tells the men that Curley is handy meaning that he is a fighter. (Page 25)

5. Analyze Curleys character. Why do you suppose he behaves the way he does? How does Curley serve as a
foil to Lennie?
Curley is described as pugnacious he is aggressive, confrontational, and cruel. Curley picks fights
with men and is jealous of men who are bigger and stronger than he is. Curley most likely behaves the
way that he does because he is insecure and embarrassed of his size. He also knows that he is the bosss
son and he can get away with his behavior without having to worry about losing his job. Curley can be
considered Lennies foil because Lennie is peaceful and passive and Curley is antagonistic and
argumentative.

6. What does the reader learn about Curleys wife? What is she like? How is she described? Why might this
be important to the story?
Curleys wife is described as a tart a woman who teases men; a temptress. She is flirtatious and has a
wandering eye which means that she looks at other men, even though she is married. This behavior and
the mens reaction to her foreshadows tension and conflict later in the novel. (Page 27-28)

7. Explain how the following line from the novel regarding Curleys wife may be symbolic: Both men
glanced up, for the rectangle of sunshine in the doorway was cut off (Steinbeck 31).
Steinbeck uses careful details to describe the setting. At the moment, the men are discussing the dangers
of Curleys wife. When she steps into the doorway, she cuts off all light. This is symbolic because light
represents goodness, promise, and hope and darkness, which Curleys wife brings, represents evil and
danger.

8. Explain the foreshadowing in the following lines from the novel: Lennie cried out suddenly I don like
this place, George. This aint now good place. I wanna get outa here (Steinbeck 32).
Lennie is feeling uneasy about the way things have started off at the ranch:
1. The boss is upset because the men are a day late.
2. Curley seems to have resentment towards Lennie.
3. Curleys wife appears to be a catalyst among the men and give George a bad impression.
Lennies feelings suggest that something bad may happen at the ranch.

9. Describe Slim by using specific references from the novel.

Slim is characterized as tough, fair, likable, handsome with an ageless face; the prince of the ranch.

10. What happens to Slims dog and her puppies? How does this function as a parallel to survival as a migrant
worker?
Slims dog has 9 puppies. Slim drowns 4 of the puppies, and keeps 5 of the healthiest. This parallels the
competitive nature of survival during the depression: only the strong survive.