Name ______Period ______
Chapter One
1. Describe the two men. How are they different physically? How are they different
mentally?
2. Why does Lennie have a dead mouse in his pocket?
3. What is your impression of the relationship between the two men? Why do you think
George takes care of Lennie?
4. How is George resentful of Lennie? What does George wish he could do?
5. What dream do George and Lennie share?
6. Where does George tell Lennie to go if he gets in trouble? Why do you think George
makes it a point to be sure Lennie understands this?
Chapter Two
1. Why is the boss suspicious of George? How does George explain his relationship
with Lennie? Why do you think George lies?
2. Why does George warn Lennie to stay away from Curley? What does George tell
Lennie to do if there is trouble?
3. Why does Lennie suddenly want to leave the ranch?
4. What does Carlson suggest about Candy’s old dog? How do you feel about
Carlson’s suggestion?
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Chapter Three
1. Why did George stop teasing Lennie? What does this tell you about George’s
character?
2. Describe the offer Candy makes to George. What is George’s first reaction? What
does he then decide? What changes his mind?
3. Why is Lennie smiling when Curley comes in?
4. What happens as a result of Curley’s attack on Lennie?
5. How is Candy like his dog? Why is the shooting of Candy’s dog so difficult on
Candy?
Chapter Four
1. For what reason does Lennie go to the barn?
2. How does Crooks react to Lennie when he comes to visit? Why does he react this
way?
3. Crooks teases Lennie about George leaving him. Why do you think Crooks does
this?
4. How does Curley’s wife threaten Crooks?
5. Why does Crooks say he was “jes foolin’” about working at the ranch? Do you
believe he really didn’t mean it? Why do you think he changes his mind?
Chapter Five
1. Why is Lennie so reluctant to talk to Curley’s wife?
2. Why does Curley’s wife continue talking to Lennie, despite Lennie’s protests? What
reasons does she give for wanting to talk to him?
3. Why does Lennie become angry with Curley’s wife? What happens as a result?
4. How does Lennie know where to go to avoid getting in trouble?
5. Who finds Curley’s wife?
Chapter Six
1. What is the setting at the beginning of the chapter? Why is this setting familiar?
2. How did George suddenly get a gun? Think back…when did he have a chance to
get the gun?
3. What is George’s intention in telling Lennie the “story” again at this point?
4. What might have happened to Lennie if Curley got ahold of him?
5. How does George’s version of what happened contradict what actually happened?
Why do you think George lies?