Name ______Date ______Period ______

Of Mice and Men: Vocabulary in Context (Chapter 1 & 2)

Read the following sentences from Of Mice and Men containing the vocabulary words in context. Answer the questions using your vocabulary definitions as a guide.

Chapter 1

  • [The] sycamores [had] mottled, whiterecumbentlimbs and branches that arch over the pool (1).
  • What do the trees look like?
  • The branches are splotched with color and reclining.
  • George stared morosely at the water (4).
  • What does the way George is staring at the water say about his mood?
  • He is in a sad mood.
  • Lennie lumbered to his feet and disappeared in the brush (8).
  • In what manner does Lennie get to his feet?
  • Lennie gets to his feet clumsily and with a lot of effort.
  • “Awright,” he said brusquely. “Gi’me that mouse!” (8)
  • When George asks Lennie to give him the mouse, how does he ask?
  • He asks rudely.
  • George’s hand remained outstretchedimperiously (9).
  • Based on the way George is holding out his hand, why does Lennie surrender the mouse?
  • It is clear the George is the one in charge.

Chapter 2

  • “I ain’t so sure,” said Georgeskeptically. “What did you say he quit for?” (19)
  • What does George see next to the bed that first causes his feelings of skepticism?
  • He sees a can of spray that kills lice and other bugs.
  • He unrolled his bindle and put things on the shelf, his razor and bar of soap, his comb and bottle of pills, his liniment and leather wristband (19).
  • What is the second to last item George puts on the shelf near his bed?
  • He puts his liniment, or lotion, on the shelf.
  • The dog struggled lamely to the side of the room and lay down, grunting softly to himself and licking his grizzled moth-eaten coat (24).
  • What does the dog’s coat look like?
  • It’s specked with grey and mangy looking.
  • “Damn right he don’t,” said George, slightly mollified, “not if he wants to stay workin’ long” (24).
  • What did Candy say that prompted this reaction from George, and how does George feel after he says it?
  • Candy says he was not listening to George and Lennie’s conversation. George less angry, or appeased, after he says this.
  • His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious (25).
  • What does Curly’s glance suggest about his personality?
  • Curley is always looking to start a fight.
  • Curly stepped gingerlyclose to him (25).
  • In what manner does Curly approach Lennie?
  • He approaches Lennie cautiously.
  • George was watching the door. He saidominously, “Well, he better watch out for Lennie. Lennie ain’t no fighter, but Lennie’s strong and quick and Lennie don’t know no rules” (27).
  • In saying this about Lennie, what is George trying to give Curly?
  • George is trying to warn, or threaten, Curley not to mess with Lennie.
  • The old man was reassured. He had drawn a derogatory statement from George (27).
  • What derogatory statement did Candy get out of George? What were they talking about?
  • George says it’s not nice to talk about Curley’s hand.
  • Lennie’s eyes were frightened. “I don’t want no trouble,” he saidplaintively (29).
  • Based on the way Lennie says this, how does he seem to be feeling about the new ranch?
  • He is feeling negative about the ranch.
  • His face contorted with thought (30).
  • What question did George ask Lennie that is making him think so hard?
  • George asks him what he’s supposed to do if he gets in trouble.
  • She had full, rouged lips and wide-spaced eyes, heavily made up (31).
  • What does Curly’s wife look like based on this description?
  • She is wearing a lot of makeup and has on red lipstick.
  • Lennie’s eyes moved down over her body, and though she did not seem to be looking at Lennie she bridled a little (31).
  • How does Curly’s wife react when she senses Lennie looking at her?
  • She drawn into herself a bit as though she doesn’t want him looking at her.
  • Lennie, who had been following the conversation back and forth with his eyes, smiled complacentlyat the compliment (34).
  • What compliment does George give Lennie, and how does it make Lennie feel?
  • George says how great of a worker Lennie is, which makes Lennie feel satisfied and proud of himself.