Learning Guide for of Mice and Men

Learning Guide for Of Mice and Men

Subjects: American Literature; U.S. Depression era.

Social Emotional Learning: Friendship, loyalty, tolerance.

Moral-Ethical Emphasis: Caring, Responsibility, Respect.

Ages: 12+; MPAA Rating, PG; Drama; 1992;115 minutes; color; Available from Amazon.com.

Note to teachers: Adapted from John Steinbeck’s 1937 novel of the same title, this film can be used as a visual illustration of the characters, themes and ideas that Steinbeck’ story seeks to convey. The screenplay closely follows the events that occur in the novel. It is not recommended as a substitute for the book.

Description: The film opens to show a pair of men, George and Lenny, as they flee from the authorities after Lenny had appeared to have assaulted a woman. Lenny is mentally handicapped and incapable of understanding that his desire to caress something soft can easily be seen as threatening. George is Lenny’s friend and protector. They eventually find work at a ranch where once Lenny runs into similar but more serious problems, the results of which cannot be escaped.

Benefits: Aside from its accurate portrayal of the themes presented by Steinbeck in his novel, the film illustrates the difficulties in adhering to self interest, friendship and loyalty all at once. The portrayal of the mental limitation of Lenny and George’s efforts to protect him are beneficial in addressing values, choices and the limits of responsibility.

Possible Problems: Minor. There is violence, disturbing disrespect for the handicapped and non-shown but nonetheless disturbing treatment of animals.

Parenting Points: Inquire as to whether or not your child has been assigned the novel in his or her Language Arts class and be certain that showing the film will not interfere with the teacher’s plans. Otherwise watch the film with your child and be prepared to discuss some of the issues presented, such as the nature of mental retardation. You may want to ask your child for an opinion about how, ultimately, George handles the problem with Lenny and whether or not he had any alternatives.

Featured Actors: Gary Sinise, John Malkovich.

Director: Gary Sinise.

Helpful Background:

Jim: Way too much background available on the Depression for teachers. History teachers already know it and it is oblique for ELA teachers. I could write pages and pages or we could just link to sites that provide the information. I have given title to the best book I have read on the issue.

The film remains true to the visual images and tone of the novel which is set in the mid west during the Great Depression. This was a period of American History when millions of people were out of work and men, women and entire families were forced to migrate away from their communities in search of a livelihood.

In farming communities, the effects of the Depression were exacerbated by falling prices for crops, some of which dropped beneath 60 percent from what they were prior to 1929, the agreed upon date that marked the beginning of the economic troubles preceding WWll.

Coupled with falling prices, farming communities in the Midwest faced drought, erosion and policy decisions that resulted in the Dust Bowl and threw hundreds of thousands of people off of their farms.

Without direct reference to the Great Depression or the Dust Bowl, Steinbeck’s story shows individuals struggling to cope with the disorder of this dramatic period in U.S. history.

For a powerful look at the effects of the Great Depression, most dramatically the Dust Bowl, read “The Worst Hard Time,” by Timothy Egan.

Discussion Questions:

Be sure students back up their opinions with reference to the events in the story and use logic in formulating ideas. Opinions can be shared in a class discussion with the intention of reaching consensus on the issues that arise.

1. Throughout the film, Lenny expresses a love for animals. He keeps a dead mouse in his pocket, tends to, yet eventually kills a puppy he is given and repeatedly talks about rabbits and wanting to raise them. In your opinion, what is his attraction to animals and is Lenny the kind of person who is fit to care for them?

Suggested Response: Answers will vary. Some may see Lenny as childlike and drawn to animals as to playmates. Others may feel that Lenny seeks to give and receive affection from animals. In terms of the ability to care for animals, it is clear that without guidance, such as that offered by George, Lenny cannot be responsible for an animal’s life.

2. Aunt Clara seems to have involved George in a life long duty to attend to Lenny. In spite of the resentment Lenny feels, he remains loyal to Lenny.Although it is clear that Lenny benefits from George’s care, what benefits may George receive in the relationship?

Suggested Response: Answers will vary: Some may suggest that George is in a relationship with Lenny as father to son and that the benefits of companionship are worth the effort. Others may believe that George is sacrificing too much in tending to Lenny.

3. Whereas George seems to feel the loneliness in his situation, Lenny feels that they have each other and are therefore ok. How does the responsibility George carries, which is the source of his burden, stem from a “guilt trip” imposed by both Aunt Clara and Lenny? Should there be limits to such burdens imposed on an individual?

Suggested Response: Answers will vary. The “guilt trip” can be found in George’s promise to care for Lenny. The promise involves a lifetime and denies George his own individuality. He is loyal, however, and feels he must stay true to his promise. Lenny “guilt trips” George through the fantasy about how good life will be when they have a ranch and raise rabbits. Lenny’s hope and happiness when the fantasy is discussed, leaves George feeling he cannot disappoint him.

4. Lenny repeatedly pushes George into telling the story of how they will one day have a place of their own and raise rabbits. Could sustaining such a fantasy be misguided or could it be of benefit to both men?

Suggested Response: Answers will vary: Although the fantasy keeps hope alive in Lenny, and to a certain degree in George, it is risky to sustain dreams that are impossible to fulfill. George seems to be working on buying a piece of land and Candy joins into the plan. Such plans can result in hard work and dedication and often lead to success.

5. Candy is an old man with an old dog, both of whom are no longer able to work. In what ways does this kind character become a part of George and Lenny’s dream?

Suggested Response: Candy has money to help buy land that he, George and Lenny could work together. He merely wants a place to end his days better than how his dog’s life ended. His offer of money in exchange for a part in the dream seems to inspire George.

6. Candy says he could not shoot his dog because he had him too long. Later, however, he feels he should have shot the dog himself. How does Candy’s experience with his dog influence George’s decisions about Lenny?

Suggested Response: The relationship between Candy and the dog can be seen as analogous to the relationship between George and Lenny. Candy is sorry that he did not kill the dog himself but instead allowed another man to shoot his old and loyal pet. George knows that Curley wants to shoot Lenny and he decides not to make the same mistake Candy made in allowing someone else to end the life of a companion. George shoots Lenny out of loyalty and love.

7. The boss’s son, Curley, is hostile and cruel. What evidence can you find in his characterization that shows both these characteristics and possible reasons for them?

Suggested Response: Curley is a failed boxer, not big and strong enough to make it in a fair fight. He seems to go after weaker opponents; he is mistaken in determining Lenny to be weak, however and is hurt in the fight between the two of them. Brief scenes of Curley’s father shows him to be a bully himself, thus offering some hint of the problems Curley seems to face.”Curley” is a childish nickname for a man, thus implying weakness. Also, Curley has a beautiful, unfulfilled and flirtatious wife. This does not inspire confidence.

8. At the end of the story, George does not berate Lenny for what he has done; instead, he continues the fantasy of one day having a ranch and raising rabbits. What does this say about George’s character?
Suggested Response: George is compassionate, forbearing and forgiving. He knows that Lenny is not capable of understanding what he has done. He also knows that after the death of Curley’s wife, Lenny would either be killed by Curley or forced, as Candy says, to live in a cage forever. His compassion, ironically, leads him to kill Lenny himself and for the last moments that they have together, George retells the fantasy of the ranch and the rabbits so that Lenny can did in a state of peace and joy.

9. What can you predict about George’s future? Consider the probable reactions of the ranch hands and George’s history of fleeing when trouble starts.

Suggested Response: Answers will vary. In all likelihood, given the circumstances and the time period, there would be no murder charges brought against anyone who would have killed Lenny. George would then be free to carry on with his life. He might work to earn money and partner with Candy to one day buy the land he and Lenny talked about. He might drift on to other ranches in other states and continue as he had been living, but without the companionship of Lenny.

10. In the reflection at the film’s end, Lenny and George are walking away from the camera when Lenny places his hand against George’s back. What is held in the mind of the viewers with this small gesture and how does it relate to the idea in the film?

Suggested Response: The final scene is a gentle image of brotherly affection. It shows the love Lenny feels for George. The love between them parallels the love between Candy and his dog and shows how sometimes love can dictate harsh measures.

Assignments and Assessments:

1. Steinbeck’s novel, and therefore the film, seems to suggest that time and place are essential to the story. Write an essay in which you analyze this thought. Consider whether or not it would be possible for two men to sustain such a dependent relationship as that of Lenny and George in your community in the 21st century? Consider what kinds of work would be available to the men, where they would live and how they would be accepted by others.

2. Write a narration that is projected thirty years after Lenny’s death. Focus on George. Describe where he is living, with whom and how is he supporting himself. Relate his thoughts as he goes about his day yet remembers Lenny. Write your narration in the present tense. Use images of place and people. Include dialogue or internal monologue to communicate your ideas.

3. Write a scenario that would end the film in place of how Steinbeck closed his story. Assume that George does not kill Lenny. Describe what happens as if the scene were shown at the end of the film in place of Lenny’s death.

4. Write an opinion essay in which you evaluate the film in terms of remaining true to the novel. Compare Steinbeck’s description of the land to the images shown in the film. Argue whether or not the film captures the sense of time and place that Steinbeck intended.

5. The film uses a good number of motifs and clear foreshadowing in telling Steinbeck’s story. Select and describe three examples of each literary tool and explain how the use of motif and foreshadowing help focus the story itself.