Of Mice And Men By John Steinbeck

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

DIRECTIONS: Respond to each question using complete sentences; include the question as part of your response. Support all responses where indicated with quotes from the novella (CD) + commentary (CM) + MLA citation . Be sure to include a n INTRODUCTION to your quote. Use correct parenthetical citations for each embedded q uote.

Finally, your commentary should ALWAYS BE AT LEAST TRIPLE the amount of quote!

CHAPTER 1

1. The beginning of the novella begins with a rich description of the physical setting. Cite two examples of Steinbeck’s use of descriptive language. Explain the effect on the mood of the novella by beginning the narrative with this description. What is Steinbeck trying to suggest about the area by the Salinas River? CITE. (See answer below—all remaining responses should follow the model).

2. Compare and contrast the two men who come into the clearing by the river. Why do you think Steinbeck introduces the men by describing their physical features, highlighting the fact that one is small and one is huge? What can the reader infer about the two men based on their descriptions? Cite two examples with appropriate MLA. CITE.

3. Steinbeck uses animal imagery to describe Lennie, the larger man. Cite two examples of the type of image that is used in the first few pages of the chapter. CITE.

4. George gives Lennie instructions about the water, and when he explains about the type of water that is safe to drink, he does so “hopelessly” (Steinbeck 3). What can we infer about why George might feel hopeless when he is talking to Lennie? CITE.

5. As George and Lennie are waiting to go to the camp, George states, “God, you’re a lot of trouble. I could get along so easy and so nice if I didn’t have you on my tail. I could live so easy and maybe have a girl” (Steinbeck 7). Explain what this statement illustrates about George’s feelings toward Lennie? What does the reader learn about George and his dreams? CITE.

6. After George erupts in anger about the responsibility of taking care of Lennie, Lennie offers to run away and leave George alone. Why do you think George does not take Lennie up on his offer? CITE.

7. By the end of Chapter 1 there are several themes or motifs that are easily identified. Using three specific examples, describe these themes. (choose themes OTHER THAN nature and animals). CITE.

1. The beginning of the novel starts with a rich description of the physical setting, especially imagery that reflects nature and animals. For instance, the Salinas River is described as running “[. . .] deep and green. The water is warm too” (Steinbeck 1). The effect on the mood of the story is that Steinbeck creates visuals in the reader’s mind that are warm, peaceful, and calm. The sensory details related to nature within Steinbeck’s description also create a sense of calm for the beginning of the chapter. Steinbeck additionally describes a sense of safety when he narrates that the “Rabbits came out of the brush to sit on the sand” (Steinbeck 1). The animal imagery, in this example, rabbits, suggests that the area by the Salinas River is a safe place. Rabbits, which are extremely cautious and easily frightened, feel at ease enough to sit on the sand and appear to the reader as unafraid. Their lack of fear suggests to the reader that the area by the Salinas River is not only safe, but also a haven, or sanctuary for all living beings.