Part 5 and 6:
Chapter 5 and 6 led from Lennie stroking his dead puppy in the barn, to being dead himself. I think Steinbeck used the puppies death in the beginning of the chapter to foreshadow Lennie's death. Lennie, whom everyone sees as more animal then man, died due to the haplessness of his situation, a child like brain being forced in to the body of what could have been a strong independent man, just as the puppy was forced to have a master such as Lennie, not being able to make the decision for himself. Both Lennie and the puppy had no say in their own life and died not knowing why. Lennie died clueless of the cruelty of the world, he still talked and thought of the rabbits he would raise with George up to the moment he died. George talked Lennie through their dream, while killing him, "George raised the gun and steadied it, and he brought the muzzle of it close to the back of Lennie's head... He pulled the trigger. The crash of the shock rolled up the hill and rolled down again. Lennie jarred, and then settled slowly forward into the sand and he lay without quivering"(106). And like the puppy, George tries to cover up Lennie's death, saying that he had the gun, just as Lennie tried to hide the puppy's death. Being an animal, the puppy probably didn't understand why death had taken him, neither would Lennie.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Affects of Relationships on the American Dream
In part five and six of the novel, Of Mice and men, I saw a profound theme of the American Dream and how certain relationships can affect it.
As Curley's wife described her American Dream, to become a starring actress in Hollywood, I noticed how her relationship with her mother and her husband affected her destiny. At age fifteen, Curley's wife was asked to join a show but her mother said she was too young. Then she met a man who said he would put her in the movies because of her talent. He promised he would write to her about it. When she never got the letter she assumed that her mother had stolen it. Since Curley's wife doesn't trust her mother you can assume that her mother doesn't trust her. In order to make a dream come true, you need strong, supportive relationships with people who have faith and trust in you. She went and married Curley to get away from her mother, but found herself still stuck in a place where she couldn't make something of herself. Since Curley doesn't care about her happiness enough to let her peruse her dream she is permanently stuck at the ranch.
Throughout the whole novel, George and Lennie were dedicated to a far fetched dream that motivated them to stay on their best behaviors. Lennie especially helped the men, George and Candy, move closer to their goal. Every time Lennie asked George to retell the description of their future life at their farm, George's motivation grew.
When George was forced to peacefully take Lennie's life, he automatically knew that their dream was over. Without Lennie, George doesn't truly believe that their dream can come true. Before Lennie died he had George explain to him how they were different than other ranchers. George explains how other ranchers don't have anyone who cares about them. Lennie happily chimed in "But not us," and both of them continue by saying "Because I got you'- An' I got you. We got each other, that's what, that gives a hoot in hell about us." (104). Once Lennie is no longer with George, he knows that he will not be able to keep the belief that the dream would come true. This shows that in George and Lennie's friendship, Lennie helped George to believe and George helped Lennie stay on track. Without Lennie's belief the dream can not come true, just like how George's absence would leave Lennie to make more bad decisions that would block the dream. Without each other the men become just like any other rancher. The bond that the men have is the foundation of their dream and if affected the dream crumbles. If Lennie didn't kill Curley's wife, I think that George, Lennie, and Candy would have reached their dream because the men all trust each other and have powerful traits that complement one another.
Through Curley's wife's relationship with her mother and husband, and Lennie and George's relationship, I learned that in order to achieve a dream you need to be surrounded by people who will always believe in you and most of all, to always have belief in yourself.
As Curley's wife described her American Dream, to become a starring actress in Hollywood, I noticed how her relationship with her mother and her husband affected her destiny. At age fifteen, Curley's wife was asked to join a show but her mother said she was too young. Then she met a man who said he would put her in the movies because of her talent. He promised he would write to her about it. When she never got the letter she assumed that her mother had stolen it. Since Curley's wife doesn't trust her mother you can assume that her mother doesn't trust her. In order to make a dream come true, you need strong, supportive relationships with people who have faith and trust in you. She went and married Curley to get away from her mother, but found herself still stuck in a place where she couldn't make something of herself. Since Curley doesn't care about her happiness enough to let her peruse her dream she is permanently stuck at the ranch.
Throughout the whole novel, George and Lennie were dedicated to a far fetched dream that motivated them to stay on their best behaviors. Lennie especially helped the men, George and Candy, move closer to their goal. Every time Lennie asked George to retell the description of their future life at their farm, George's motivation grew.
When George was forced to peacefully take Lennie's life, he automatically knew that their dream was over. Without Lennie, George doesn't truly believe that their dream can come true. Before Lennie died he had George explain to him how they were different than other ranchers. George explains how other ranchers don't have anyone who cares about them. Lennie happily chimed in "But not us," and both of them continue by saying "Because I got you'- An' I got you. We got each other, that's what, that gives a hoot in hell about us." (104). Once Lennie is no longer with George, he knows that he will not be able to keep the belief that the dream would come true. This shows that in George and Lennie's friendship, Lennie helped George to believe and George helped Lennie stay on track. Without Lennie's belief the dream can not come true, just like how George's absence would leave Lennie to make more bad decisions that would block the dream. Without each other the men become just like any other rancher. The bond that the men have is the foundation of their dream and if affected the dream crumbles. If Lennie didn't kill Curley's wife, I think that George, Lennie, and Candy would have reached their dream because the men all trust each other and have powerful traits that complement one another.
Through Curley's wife's relationship with her mother and husband, and Lennie and George's relationship, I learned that in order to achieve a dream you need to be surrounded by people who will always believe in you and most of all, to always have belief in yourself.
Candy's dog to Lennie
At the end of OMAM I noticed a few similarities between Candy's dog to Lennie. One similarity I noticed is how they're both like animals, especially Lennie, with John Steinbeck referring Lennie's hands as "paws", and explaining how the mentally disabled were put into cages like animals. Another similartity I noticed was how they died. In both of their deaths Carlson or his things were involved (Carlson shot Candy's dog, and George used Carlson's gun), they were both shot, and both deaths were intended to be respectful, memorable, and intended the beings be put out of their misery. It is explained in the book that Candy's dog had to be shot because he was old and suffering. Lennie was suffering too, by being stressed that he wasn't good enough for George and that he's always hiding and getting into trouble. The only difference in the deaths was that Candy regrets not shooting his own dog to put him out of misery because he is his friend and beloved companion. While Lennie and George are the same way, George wanted to do it the proper way by putting Lennie out of his own misery and saying goodbye. I could also tell how George felt after killing Lennie, "George shivered and looked at the gun, and then he threw it from him, back up on the bank, near the pile of old ashes." p.106. George wanted Lennie's death to mean that between them, they were close companions, and are always going to be together no matter what.
Part 5/6
In
part 6, George decided to shoot Lennie after he accidentally killed Curley's
wife. I was very surprised at first, and I thought about why in the world
George would do that. I thought about all the times they spent together and how
much Lennie loved George. Towards the end of part 6, I realized why George shot
Lennie when Slim said, "You hadda, George. I swear you hadda" (107).
This brought me back to when Slim also said, "An s'pose they lock him up
an' strap him down and put him in a cage. That ain't no good" (97). Both
these quotes helped me register why George would shoot Lennie. Slim was telling
George what would happen to Lennie if he was found by the guys. The guys would
lock him up and Lennie would be tortured. George had to make a decision because
he didn't want Lennie to be harmed by any of the men on the ranch. By shooting
Lennie quick, George was able to save Lennie from being tormented and living
the last days of his life, in pain. I believe it was a good thing that George
shot Lennie himself.
Part 5 and 6:
In part 6 Of Mice and Men George shoots Lennie in the back of the head. George had to shoot Lennie before Curley could make Lennie suffer. Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife when he was playing with her hair his strength broke her neck and she dies. Lennie knows what he has done, and he remembered what George told him a while back go to the bush if there is ever any trouble. When Curley found his wife laying dead on the ground he knew it was Lennie who had killed her. Curley gathers the other men and immediately go to kill Lennie. George knew that Curley would kill Lennie with anger and fury so George ran ahead of Curley to kill Lennie peacefully himself. George ran to the bush because he remembered telling Lennie to go there if there is any trouble. When George arrives at the bush, they start talking about the dream and how Lennie would tend to the rabbits. Without Lennie knowing and while Lennie is still talking about the dream, George raises the gun slowly behind Lennie's head and shoots him. George knew this would be a better way to die than having Curley kill him but when George was about to shoot him his hand was violently shaking it was hard to do. In part 3 of the book, Carlson says "Got a Luger. It won't hurt him none at all" (48) when he is trying to convince Candy to put the dog out of it' misery by shooting it. Carlson is explaining to Candy that shooting the dog in the back of the head will make him feel less pain and die more peacefully. George remembers this right before he goes to the bush so he grabs Carlson's Luger before he leaves and uses it to shoot Lennie. I think that George shot Lennie because he wanted Lennie to die a peaceful life without Curley's rage. George knew that the dream and Lennie tending his own rabbits made him happy so that's why George had Lennie talk about the dream. All George wanted Lennie to do was be happy and in this case die happy so that explains why George killed Lennie in the end of the book.
Part 5 and 6
In part 6 of Of Mice and Men, Lennie is shot in the back of his head by George. After Lennie accidentally kills Curley's wife by playing with her hair and breaks her neck, he runs away. When Curley finds his wife lying dead on the ground, he knew that Lennie had done it. He was furious and wanted to kill Lennie immediately. Curley and the rest of the men left to go find Lennie and kill him. George remembered that he told Lennie to run away to the bush whenever there is trouble, so George went ahead of everyone else to go find Lennie before Curley would find him and kill him. Once George finds Lennie, they both start talking about their dream and how Lennie would tend to rabbits. Earlier in the book Carlson says "'Got a Luger. It won't hurt him none at all.'" (47) when he is trying to convince Candy that he should kill his dog. Carlson explains to shoot the dog in the back of the head, so he won't feel any pain. George remembers where to shoot Lennie, so he grabs Carlson's Luger and shoots him. Once the men saw that George shot Lennie, Slim said, "You hadda, George. I swear you hadda" (107). This made me think that George shot Lennie because he didn't want Lennie to suffer if Curley would have done it. George wanted Lennie to find peace and be happy before he dies, which is why George was talking about their dream. He wanted Lennie to think of a happy and safe place. This explains why George shot Lennie in the end of the book.
Part 5: Lennie and Curley's wife
In part 5 of Of Mice and Men Curley's wife and Lennie confined in each other some interesting secrets. Curley's wife told Lennie that " I get awful lonely" (86) and that "I don' like Curley. He ain't a nice fella" (89). She also tells him about her past and how a man wanted to get her in the movies and Hollywood. I think that she told him all of this personal and potentially risky information because she knew that Lennie was so focused on his puppy and that he wouldn't listen. Also, she told him this because she could probably tell that he was not a person that understood or followed conversation much. Lennie on the other hand told Curley's wife that "George says I ain't to have nothing to do with you-talk to you or nothing" (86) and that "I like to pet nice things...sometimes I even pet mice"(90). The first thing that he told her lead to her telling him how she was lonely and about her past. The second thing he told her however lead to her telling him to stroke her hair because it was very soft. When Lennie did this, Curley's wife panicked, because he wouldn't let go of her hair leading to Lennie accidentally breaking her neck, which killed her. In the end the significance of the confessions was that they lead to the death of one of the confessors, and that Curley's wife's confession, especially, could have gotten her in a lot of trouble, and did.
Part 5/6
To bring "Of Mice and Men" to an end we experience part 6, where Lennie has a period of hallucination. The cause of this event was when Lennie had accidentally killed Curley's wife, which had stirred up anxiety causing him to flee to the Salinas River. Leading into the beginning of his hallucination process where Lennie went head to head with a character who meant everything to him, Aunt Clara. "She stood in front of Lennie and frowned disapprovingly at him" (Steinbeck 101), her reaction towards him stood out to me because prior in the novel we heard of Aunt Clara as a caring woman towards everyone, so when she gave him a look of disapproval in his hallucination Lennie realizes he messed it up and that he had already lost someone's respect for him. "And when she spoke, it was in Lennie's voice" (Steinbeck 101) as Aunt Clara kept adding on misery her voice became a voice in his head, which kept drilling all the ways George could be happy and free without Lennie holding him back. As she then faded away, "there came a gigantic rabbit" (Steinbeck 101), I think that Steinbeck added in the rabbit because throughout the story Lennie's mind was always set on tending rabbits, so when one appeared "and spoke in Lennie's voice too" (Steinbeck 102) he felt the pressure build up more and more on his shoulders. When "'the rabbit repeated softly over and over, he gonna leave ya all alone'" (Steinbeck 102) Lennie was put in a place of arguing with himself and how George was and wasn't gonna leave him, "'He won't, Lennie cried frantically. 'He won't do nothing like that'" (Steinbeck 102) but since Lennie contained a young gullible mind he believed the rabbit's word and questioned himself as he was discussing with the rabbit. Throughout the entire scene of Lennie's hallucination it was resembled as battling himself, because this event was like the weed scene where he interacted with a young lady and his action towards her made a big impact on himself and George causing them to flee and start over. Which I think was very similar to Lennie and Curley's wife because he is now running around with pressure and a twisted mind set that will sooner or later lead to a bigger consequence of his wrong doing.
Lennie's Hallucination
Lennie's Hallucination
In part. 6 of Of Mice and Men, there was the shocking event which was when George shot Lennie. Crazy, right?!? After Lennie had done a bad thing (killing Curley's wife), he went back to the bush near the Salinas River just like George told him to. Soon after, he started to hallucinate.
First, he saw his Aunt Clara who was described as "a little fat old woman" (Steinbeck 100). What stuck out to me was that when she started to speak, it was in Lennie's voice. I think Steinbeck purposely made it in Lennie's voice because he wanted it to show the reader that Lennie is the one shaming himself about what happened. Lennie repeated the phrase "I tried, Aunt Clara, ma'am. I tried and tried. I couldn' help it" (Steinbeck 101). I think he repeated this phrase because it is something like what he would say in real life when he is sorry about something he did. Right when Aunt Clara left, "there came a gigantic rabbit" (Steinbeck 101).
In Lennie's mind, there appeared a huge rabbit. I think a rabbit appeared because throughout the whole book, Lennie was only thinking about tending to rabbits at their dream house. The rabbit also spoke in Lennie's voice. The rabbit scolded Lennie as he stated that, "You'd forget 'em and let 'em go hungry. That's what you'd do An' then what would George think?" (Steinbeck 102). Most of the comments that the rabbit said revolved around Lennie's mistakes and what George would think about it. The rabbit claimed that George will "beat he** outta you with a stick" (Steinbeck 102). I think George is involved in most of the "conversation" is because Lennie is always worried about what George would think because he is always trying to be on his best behavior.
I think that Lennie was hallucinating because he is regretful for what he has done. I think he realized that the same situation in Weed was repeating itself, and he was scared for what George would think of him.
In Lennie's mind, there appeared a huge rabbit. I think a rabbit appeared because throughout the whole book, Lennie was only thinking about tending to rabbits at their dream house. The rabbit also spoke in Lennie's voice. The rabbit scolded Lennie as he stated that, "You'd forget 'em and let 'em go hungry. That's what you'd do An' then what would George think?" (Steinbeck 102). Most of the comments that the rabbit said revolved around Lennie's mistakes and what George would think about it. The rabbit claimed that George will "beat he** outta you with a stick" (Steinbeck 102). I think George is involved in most of the "conversation" is because Lennie is always worried about what George would think because he is always trying to be on his best behavior.
I think that Lennie was hallucinating because he is regretful for what he has done. I think he realized that the same situation in Weed was repeating itself, and he was scared for what George would think of him.
Saturday, April 8, 2017
Parts 5 and 6
In the beginning of chapter 5 Lennie is in the barn with a dead pup talking about how, "George ain't gonna let me tend no rabbits, if he fin's out you got killed."(85) As Lennie was talking, "Curley's wife came around the end of the last stall. She came very quietly, so that Lennie didn't see her."(86) When Curley's wife asked him, "What you got there sonny boy,"(86) Lennie replied, " George says I ain't to have nothing to do with you- talk to you or nothing."(86) Lennie is obeying George's command to not look at or talk to Curley's wife. George strongly feels that Curley's wife is nothing but trouble. While Curley's wife continues to try and make conversation Lennie is stressing that, "I ain't supposed to talk to you or nothing."(86) Curley's wife then opened up about how she, "Get awful lonely,"(86) and how she, "Can't talk to nobody but Curley. Else he gets mad."(87) This shows that she's always in the house because she really has no choice but to listen to Curley talk about stuff repeatedly. She flirts with the other guys when Curley's not around for new conversation. I personally don't think it's okay to "flirt" with other men on the ranch as a married woman, but I feel a little sorry for her and think that maybe just talking to others is a good thing. After all she does have to sit in a house day after day listening to Curley's stories, so pretending to look for Curley is a way out of listening to that when she can. Even though Lennie told her numerous times he wasn't allowed to talk to her she didn't care and went on with a story about how she, " Ain't used to livin' like this," she, "Coulda made somethin' of myself."(88) As usual Lennie was thinking about how him, George, Candy are, "gonna have a little place- an' tend rabbits."(88) Lennie isn't paying much attention to Curley's wife story kind of like how he didn't pay much attention to Crooks story when he was told one. All Lennie was thinking about during most of both stories was how he was going to tend the rabbits like George promised he would. When Curley's wife found out that Lennie liked to stroke soft hair and fabric she let him, "Feel right aroun' there an' see how soft it is."(90) Lennie loved it so much that his, " Fingers closed on her hair and hung on."(91) "Let go," she cried. (91)"You let go!" (91)"Lennie was in a panic."(91) Lennie was in a panic and wouldn't let go just like in the incident he had with Curley. Lennie panicked and wouldn't let go off Curley's hand and squeezed it to death. And like the incident where Lennie like a girls dress but wouldn't let go because he was scared. Curley's wife was yelling and trying to shake free but Lennie held on to her hair, mouth, nose, and begged, " Oh please don't do that, George'll be mad."(91) " George gonna say I done a bad thing. He ain't gonna let me tend no rabbits." Lennie once again was mostly concerned about tending the rabbits. If George heard her screaming and saw Lennie, he would've said he couldn't tend the rabbits anymore. Eventually Lennie got upset and shook her so much that, "Lennie had broken her neck."(91) Lennie had killed Curley's wife. That was the motivation behind Curley wanting him dead. Also note that he was still upset about his hand! When Lennie ran south he stole Candy's luger. As Lennie was sitting by the lake his aunt Clara and a rabbit appeared. Aunt Clara talked about how George is a nice caring guy and has been watching him while he's done all these bad things. The rabbit tells Lennie that George is going to hit him with sticks and things like that and then he's gonna go away. When George finally came he convinced Lennie to turn his head while he talked about the dream and gradually pulled the gun closer to him. He picked the gun up and made sure, "Lennie turned his head." After Lennie's last three sentences, George,"Pulled the trigger." George shot him in the back of the head. I think George killing Lennie was the best decision for the guys. They all agreed on killing Lennie for killing Curley's wife but George was the one who took care of Lennie so I think it's only fair that if someone kills him it should be George. Curley already didn't like Lennie so his death would have been a slow and painful death. George had to kill Lennie at that moment because if he would have let Lennie run away if one day the guys came across Lennie they would definitely shoot Lennie. George made a right yet very sad decision.
Lennie and George in the End...
At the end of the book in part 6, Lennie is shot by George. I think George did it out of kindness, not to be mean. George knew that Curley would go after Lennie with rage without stopping to think about it, so he goes to kill Lennie himself, that way Lennie doesn't become scared of Curley. Lennie runs away after accidentally breaking Curley's wife, ending in her death. I think Lennie runs away because he is scared and he thinks that "George'll be mad"(page 92). When Slim asks where Lennie might have gone, George knew "He...would went south."(page 96) because he told Lennie to go to the bush when there's trouble. While the men are searching for Lennie, George goes ahead of them to get to him. He tells Lennie to face the Salinas River and they start talking about their dream. Eventually, George pulls out the Luger that he stole from Carlson and he shoots Lennie, who dies a peaceful death. Earlier in the book, Carlson says "Got a Luger. It won't hurt him none at all."(page 47) when he is about to kill Candy's dog. I think George decides to use the Luger because he heard what Carlson said. Also I think that George is a great friend because he didn't put Lennie through misery.
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Part 5/6
2. WHY DID GEORGE DO WHAT HE DID (to Lennie) IN THE END????
(Use previous events, info, quotes to prove the foreshadowing AND the explanation for WHY he did it.)
In part 6, George shoots Lennie in the back of the head because he would rather let him die in peace then making him suffer from Curley. George knows that Curley will hurt Lennie and kill him with anger and rage, but if George kills Lennie himself without him knowing, Lennie could die without having to die scared from Curley. After Lennie kills Curley's wife, Curley was furious and was wanting to find Lennie to kill him immediately. George was nervous about Lennie and doesn't want any more trouble. When the men were searching for him George thought of how he told Lennie to go to the bush when there was trouble. George finds Lennie at the bush, and before the men come, they talk about the "dream". George shoots Lennie with Carlson's Luger that he stole before they left the ranch. In part 3, Carlson says "'Got a Luger. It won't hurt him none at all.'" (47) when he is about to kill Candy's dog. It made George inspired which made him kill Lennie with the Luger. Because of this, Lennie was able to die peacefully.
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
Blog 5/6
In the final part of
the novel Of Mice and Men, Lennie accidentally breaks the neck of
Curley's wife while innocently playing with her hair. As Steinbeck describes
how she
looks while lying
dead in the haystack, he makes some interesting remarks. "And the meanness
and the plannings and the discontent and the ache for attention were all
gone from her
face" (92). Now that she has passed
away, all of her bad qualities have disappeared. She now looks very pretty and
sweet, without any trace of how much
she strived for
attention. Also, she now looks much younger because her unhappiness and need
for lots of attention made her look much older.
I think that this is all very
ironic because now that she has been murdered,
she is no longer in an unhappy place. Her death actually saved her from the
dissatisfaction with her life with Curley. She is now free from her unhappy marriage and her
constant loneliness.
Part 5/6 OPTIONAL PROMPTS
Part 5:
(REMEMBER: These questions are OPTIONAL; you can respond to them in a post, or just used them as direction for what to focus on while you read)
1. Lennie and Curley’s wife both confided in each other. What did she tell Lennie and why do you think she chose him to confess this too? What did he tell her and what event did this lead to? Elaborate on the significance of these confessions.
2. Describe what Curley’s wife looked like once she died (p. 92-93). What is ironic about this description?
3. What question does Candy ask George, and what is his response? (address two important quotes here… one on p. 94 and the other on p. 95) WHY do you think George plans to become just like every other rancher, rather than live out the dream with Candy?
4. What is Curley’s motivation for going after Lennie? Use quotes to support your answer and elaborate on the significance of this.
5. What lie does George tell Slim? Before reading part 6, what did this lie make you think about George’s plan? After reading part 6… what was his actual plan? Elaborate on the significance of the lie and the reality.
Part 6:
1. Analyze Lennie’s hallucination. Use some quotes to support what you think it all means.
2. WHY DID GEORGE DO WHAT HE DID (to Lennie) IN THE END????
(Use previous events, info, quotes to prove the foreshadowing AND the explanation for WHY he did it.)
3. Why did Steinbeck choose to have Carlson, of all characters, be the last one to speak in the novel? What significance do his words have? OR What theme do his words support? Ã “Now what the hell do ya suppose is eatin’ them two guys?”
Part 4: Curley's wife
In part 4 of Of Mice and Men, Curley's wife says, "They left all the weak ones here"(77) which is ironic is a couple ways. Firstly, she was one of the ones left behind. So, by saying all the weak ones were left behind she is implying that she is as weak as Candy, Crooks and all the other people left behind. Also, some of the people left behind are physically strong, like Lennie. So, if Curley's wife was implying that they were weak she was incorrect and also calling herself weak. Last, she was in that statement not only trying to insult Crooks, Candy and Lennie, but she also succeeded in insulting herself, which is ironic.
Treatment Towards Crooks
In part four of John Steinbeck's novel, Of Mice and Men, I noticed how different Crooks' living situation and treatment is compared to the other men on the ranch. As Lennie makes his way into Crooks' bunk in the harness room, Crooks becomes very hesitant to let him in. Since Crooks is black, he has a separate bunk away from the other white men on the ranch. Most of those white men don't have any interest in hanging around in a negros room. Therefore, Crooks is not used to company in his bunk and has an automatic instinct to be suspicious and stay secluded. As he lightens up towards Lennie, words started to flow from his mouth. Even though Crooks knows that Lennie is not truly listening to what he has to say, he continues to talk because he is desperate to interact with another human. As he explained his family story and how there was not another black person on the ranch, I began to realize how extremely lonely he must be. Even though he is able to keep more personal items and have more privacy, Crooks' living situation keeps him isolated from any other human interactions. Because of his isolation, he is the first person on the ranch that is able to understand why George would want to travel around with Lennie. Crooks enviously explains to Lennie that " George can tell him (you) screwy things, and it don't matter. It's just the talking. It's just bein' with another guy." (71). You can tell that Crooks is jealous of the relationship Lennie has with George because he has no one to ever keep him company.
When Crooks lets Candy join him in his bunk, I could tell that he truly enjoys the company even though he tries to act angry. He begins to have a true conversation with the men and slowly lets down his guard. Crooks noticeably regains his self confidence as he realizes that Candy and Lennie actually enjoy being around him even though he is black. When Curly's wife comes in and makes rude remarks about the men, Crooks stands up for them, but is swiftly shut down by Curly's wife. It is apparent that the new company from Candy and Lennie gave Crooks confidence that made him forget how easily Curley's wife could get him in trouble. The moment Curley's wife is threatened she is quick to take advantage of the fact that he is black. To make sure that Crooks stays quiet about her visit to his bunk she intimidates him by saying "I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it aint even funny."(81). Once Candy backs him up by saying he would accuse her of "framing" Crooks, Curley's wife has no other come back but to say that nobody would listen to them. Curley's wife's responses to the men's threats prove how harshly Crooks is treated compared to Candy and Lennie.
By watching Crooks' response to the men's company and Curley's wife's threats I came to a conclusion that Crooks has a extremely lonely and harsh life.
When Crooks lets Candy join him in his bunk, I could tell that he truly enjoys the company even though he tries to act angry. He begins to have a true conversation with the men and slowly lets down his guard. Crooks noticeably regains his self confidence as he realizes that Candy and Lennie actually enjoy being around him even though he is black. When Curly's wife comes in and makes rude remarks about the men, Crooks stands up for them, but is swiftly shut down by Curly's wife. It is apparent that the new company from Candy and Lennie gave Crooks confidence that made him forget how easily Curley's wife could get him in trouble. The moment Curley's wife is threatened she is quick to take advantage of the fact that he is black. To make sure that Crooks stays quiet about her visit to his bunk she intimidates him by saying "I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it aint even funny."(81). Once Candy backs him up by saying he would accuse her of "framing" Crooks, Curley's wife has no other come back but to say that nobody would listen to them. Curley's wife's responses to the men's threats prove how harshly Crooks is treated compared to Candy and Lennie.
By watching Crooks' response to the men's company and Curley's wife's threats I came to a conclusion that Crooks has a extremely lonely and harsh life.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Scenes in Part 4
In part four of the book I noticed some similarities within the characters feelings and how Curley's wife opened up about why she flirts with all the men on the Ranch. On page 76 Curley's wife came up to the door and said, "Any you boys seen Curley?", while on page 77 as she was explaining where the guys went she said, "They left all the weak ones here... think i dont know where they all went... even Curley... I know where they all went." I find it really interesting that at first when she came up to the guys she asked where Curley was but then she said that she knew where Curley and the guys were. This further shows that Curley's wife keeps up with Curley but she's tired of sitting in the house all day hearing how, " Curley's gonna lead with his left twict, and then bring in the ol' right cross." So she goes out and flirts with all the guys on the ranch because she wants to talk and draw some attention to herself and the guys are the only people who will listen and pay attention to her. I think Crooks also feels that he is lonely
because he no one to talk to and he sits in his bunk all day by himself. He is
separated from the other guys and, " Kept his distance and demanded that
other people keep theirs." Crooks didn’t really communicate with the other
guys because he is a different race than any other person on the ranch and he
feels that he and the others should be separate because of racism strongly
occurring at the time. The other guys didn’t talk to him either until most of
them went into town and Lennie, Candy, and Curley's wife came into Crook's
bunk.
I also perceived the way Candy and Crooks view Curley's wife virsus how Lennie looks at her. After she finished talking about how she knew were Curley and the guys went Lennie as usual, " Watched her fascinated." Lennie was still amazed by her beauty when ever he saw her speak or do anything rather. "Candy and Crooks were scowling down away from her eyes." Candy said to Curley's wife, " Then if you know, why you want to ast us where Curley is at? I think Candy noticed that she was flirting just a little and really had no business in there. Curley didn't want to feed into her because like George he felt that she was trouble. Actually Crooks, Candy and George all thinks she is trouble and, " Got no call foolin' aroun' with other guys, causin' trouble." Towards the end of the chapter Curley's wife got a little hostile with Crooks. It all started off when Crook said, " Now you jus' get out, an' get out quick . If you don't, I'm gonna ast the boss not to ever let you let you come in the barn anymore." Crooks had enough and he didn't like what she was saying let alone her presence in the room. When Crooks said that she became upset and said, "Listen n*****, you know what I can do to you if you open your trap?"(80) Crooks pressed himself against the wall and said, " Yes ma'am."(80) Curley's wife then said, " Well you keep your place then n*****. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it anit even funny." Crooks tonelessly said, " Yes ma'am."(81) I think that what she said to Crooks was a little mean because for one she's in his room where she shouldn't be and Crooks was tired of listening to her. I think that Curley's wife made it seem like she had some type of power over him and that if he was to do something she didn't like she would make sure that he was either killed or fired from the ranch. I also think that Crooks understands his position within Curley's wife because she's a white female and he's a black male and back then racism was still at its prime and a person like Crooks would be in a lot of trouble guilty or innocent for being accused of messing with a person/women like Curley's wife.
I also think that George and Crooks feel the same way in regards to the American Dream. George isn't really a dreamer because times are so hard that he can no longer focus on a dream. George has to figure out how to make a living in reality. Although he has slipped once or twice thinking about the ranch they could live on, the foods they could harvest, and the animals they could raise with the money they save up. Crooks has been on the ranch a long time and has heard of guys like Lennie, George, and Candy wanting to live out a dream, but they just don't make it." You guys is just kiddin' yourself. You'll talk about it a h*** of a lot , but you won't get no land. You'll be a swamper here till they take you out in a box. H***, I seen too many guys. Lennie here'll quit an' be on the road in two, three weeks." Seems like ever' guy got land in his head."(75) This shows that Crooks doesn't believe that the men who come on the ranch and work for a while to pursue a dream can actually accomplish that. He's always seen men come and go. I also think that Crooks may have gone through some things in the past that has prevented him from a dream he may have had so he stopped believing it could betide. On the other hand Lennie and Candy feel that this dream could transpire. Candy says angrily, " You God d*** right were going to do it."(75/76) Lennie as always was thinking about tending the rabbits like he'd been promised he would. Candy and Lennie were assured that they were going to have that land. Together, Lennie, Candy, and George were going to live the American Dream.
I also perceived the way Candy and Crooks view Curley's wife virsus how Lennie looks at her. After she finished talking about how she knew were Curley and the guys went Lennie as usual, " Watched her fascinated." Lennie was still amazed by her beauty when ever he saw her speak or do anything rather. "Candy and Crooks were scowling down away from her eyes." Candy said to Curley's wife, " Then if you know, why you want to ast us where Curley is at? I think Candy noticed that she was flirting just a little and really had no business in there. Curley didn't want to feed into her because like George he felt that she was trouble. Actually Crooks, Candy and George all thinks she is trouble and, " Got no call foolin' aroun' with other guys, causin' trouble." Towards the end of the chapter Curley's wife got a little hostile with Crooks. It all started off when Crook said, " Now you jus' get out, an' get out quick . If you don't, I'm gonna ast the boss not to ever let you let you come in the barn anymore." Crooks had enough and he didn't like what she was saying let alone her presence in the room. When Crooks said that she became upset and said, "Listen n*****, you know what I can do to you if you open your trap?"(80) Crooks pressed himself against the wall and said, " Yes ma'am."(80) Curley's wife then said, " Well you keep your place then n*****. I could get you strung up on a tree so easy it anit even funny." Crooks tonelessly said, " Yes ma'am."(81) I think that what she said to Crooks was a little mean because for one she's in his room where she shouldn't be and Crooks was tired of listening to her. I think that Curley's wife made it seem like she had some type of power over him and that if he was to do something she didn't like she would make sure that he was either killed or fired from the ranch. I also think that Crooks understands his position within Curley's wife because she's a white female and he's a black male and back then racism was still at its prime and a person like Crooks would be in a lot of trouble guilty or innocent for being accused of messing with a person/women like Curley's wife.
I also think that George and Crooks feel the same way in regards to the American Dream. George isn't really a dreamer because times are so hard that he can no longer focus on a dream. George has to figure out how to make a living in reality. Although he has slipped once or twice thinking about the ranch they could live on, the foods they could harvest, and the animals they could raise with the money they save up. Crooks has been on the ranch a long time and has heard of guys like Lennie, George, and Candy wanting to live out a dream, but they just don't make it." You guys is just kiddin' yourself. You'll talk about it a h*** of a lot , but you won't get no land. You'll be a swamper here till they take you out in a box. H***, I seen too many guys. Lennie here'll quit an' be on the road in two, three weeks." Seems like ever' guy got land in his head."(75) This shows that Crooks doesn't believe that the men who come on the ranch and work for a while to pursue a dream can actually accomplish that. He's always seen men come and go. I also think that Crooks may have gone through some things in the past that has prevented him from a dream he may have had so he stopped believing it could betide. On the other hand Lennie and Candy feel that this dream could transpire. Candy says angrily, " You God d*** right were going to do it."(75/76) Lennie as always was thinking about tending the rabbits like he'd been promised he would. Candy and Lennie were assured that they were going to have that land. Together, Lennie, Candy, and George were going to live the American Dream.
Part 4:
In part 4 Of Mice and Men, Curley's wife makes a statement that is ironic in a couple of different ways. Curley's wife says, "They left all the weak ones here." The first ironic thing about the statement is Lennie is one of the physically strongest men on the farm and even though he is sometimes weak on the inside she is wrong by calling everyone weak. If Curley's wife new what had happened to Curley's hand than she would understand that Lennie is not weak. Lennie had to be strong to contain all anger when he was being hurt but he also had to be brave and physically strong enough to fight back to Curley. The second ironic thing about the statement is Curley's wife says that Lennie, Candy, Crooks and everyone else left behind is weak but she was also left behind so she would technically be calling herself weak too. The last ironic thing about Curley's wife statement is when she entered Crooks cabin she asked if anyone knew where Curley was when she actually knew where he was. The ironic thing about that is Curley's wife was lonely and bored so she purposely went and asked them where Curley was but then she called all of them weak. If she was just going to insult them and call them weak there was no point for her going into the cabin.
Part 4
In part 4 "Of Mice and Men", we were formally introduced to the audacious but sympathetic Crooks who contained many emotional surprises and actions in his pockets. Throughout this section, Steinbeck the author of the novel, had created Crooks to represent and symbolize the racial discrimination of this time period. Specifically stating, "A colored man got to have some rights even if he don't like 'em" (Steinbeck 82). This quote stood out and was surprising, because Crooks was a man with partial to barely any rights and for him to say he doesn't accept the rights is a mind twister. That was said because, "Crooks had his bunk in the harness room; a little shed that leaned off the wall of the barn" (Steinbeck 66). Connecting this quote to why Crooks didn't like his rights was, because of his race so he lived in a barn alone, which after a while had turned into loneliness and seeking a way out of his isolation.
Part 4- Curley's Wife
- What is ironic about Curley’s wife’s statement: “They left all the weak ones here.” – p. 77
When Curley's Wife approached Candy, Lennie, and Crooks and told them "They left all the weak ones here" while the rest of the men went to town was very ironic to me. I believed this was very ironic for multiple reasons. First of all, in case she didn't notice, Curley's wife was left at the ranch too! When Curley's wife entered Crooks cabin and found all of them sitting there, she asked where Curley was. This was because she wanted an excuse to talk to them because she was left at the ranch and was lonely an bored. Another reason her statement was ironic was because Lennie was actually very strong. The only way he was really "weak" was because of his mental disability.
Curley's Wife's Intentions
Curley's Wife's Intentions
Curley's wife was very prevalent in pt. 4 of Of Mice And Men, and we learned a lot more about her and what her intentions are. When she went into Crooks barn, she saw Candy, Crooks, and Lennie and said that they were the weak ones on the barn. This is ironic because she herself is weak and lonely as well as the other men. Her loneliness was pronounced when she said, "Think I don't like to talk to somebody ever' once in a while? Think I like to stick in that house alla time?" (Steinbeck 77). She is stressing about how she never gets to get out of the house and talk to anybody because she is the only women on the ranch, and people like to stay away from her because they think she is bad news. I think she wants to get out of the house and explore the world because she is always on the ranch left alone. While Lennie is only thinking of the rabbits and the farm, Candy and Crooks are trying to shoo away Curley's wife because they only think of her as a flirt and not a person who needs someone to talk to. They accused her of going around and talking to other guys and she flared up and said,"Sure I got a husband'. You all seen him. Swell guy, ain't he? Spends all his time sayin' what he's gonna do to guys he don't like, and he don't like nobody" (Steinbeck 78). She is clearly being sarcastic while stating that she hates her husband. I think she doesn't like Curley because he is way to controlling over what she does and never lets her out of the house which makes her lonely. I also think that since Curley behaves this way, it makes her want to go out more and interact with people. Since she strongly dislikes Curley, she told the men that she wants to "bust him (Curley)" (Steinbeck 81). I think Curley's wife is lonely because she is the only women on the ranch, and since Curley makes her stay in the house, she has no one to talk to when she needs someone.
Curley's wife was very prevalent in pt. 4 of Of Mice And Men, and we learned a lot more about her and what her intentions are. When she went into Crooks barn, she saw Candy, Crooks, and Lennie and said that they were the weak ones on the barn. This is ironic because she herself is weak and lonely as well as the other men. Her loneliness was pronounced when she said, "Think I don't like to talk to somebody ever' once in a while? Think I like to stick in that house alla time?" (Steinbeck 77). She is stressing about how she never gets to get out of the house and talk to anybody because she is the only women on the ranch, and people like to stay away from her because they think she is bad news. I think she wants to get out of the house and explore the world because she is always on the ranch left alone. While Lennie is only thinking of the rabbits and the farm, Candy and Crooks are trying to shoo away Curley's wife because they only think of her as a flirt and not a person who needs someone to talk to. They accused her of going around and talking to other guys and she flared up and said,"Sure I got a husband'. You all seen him. Swell guy, ain't he? Spends all his time sayin' what he's gonna do to guys he don't like, and he don't like nobody" (Steinbeck 78). She is clearly being sarcastic while stating that she hates her husband. I think she doesn't like Curley because he is way to controlling over what she does and never lets her out of the house which makes her lonely. I also think that since Curley behaves this way, it makes her want to go out more and interact with people. Since she strongly dislikes Curley, she told the men that she wants to "bust him (Curley)" (Steinbeck 81). I think Curley's wife is lonely because she is the only women on the ranch, and since Curley makes her stay in the house, she has no one to talk to when she needs someone.
Culey's Wife: The TRUTH!!!
Throughout part 4 there were several instances of lonliness that Curley's Wife states. I found one quote particularly interesting when refering to her lonliness. "....Standin' here talkin' to a bunch of bindle stiffs-a n****** an' a dum-dum and a lousy ol' sheep-an likin' it because they ain't nobody else. This quote has both insulting comments and a message. She says how they're all the worst and boring people to talk to, but she says how it's better than being alone. She probably feels this way because she says how her husband is always focused on fighting and picking on someone in the ranch by practicing his punches(my money's on Lennie). She refers to this in another quote, also referring how lonely she is. Another reason why she's hanging around with the other workers is because she's the only women on the ranch. She wants a friend she can relate with, not a meatheaded husband and some male workers on a ranch. She wants a companion who will spend time with her, and will be there for her. By marrying Culey, that was a trip into lonliness. I can relate to Curley's Wife in a way, even though I would never want to be her. A similar situation I was in (a few years back) was when I had to stay in extended day at the YMCA. In extended day there were pretty much little kids there, and I was one of the few older kids. I couldn't really talk to or relate to the other kids because they were really different and I didn't really know them. I was staying there only because I participated in a camp there, and the kids I made friends with in the camp weren't there. Even though I got through it, the expierience felt a little lonely not having any kids my own age.
Part 4: Crooks
In part 4, I learned a lot about Crooks. Crooks is the stable buck and does all the hard work around the ranch. Steinbeck portrays Crooks' guilty pleasure by saying, "Crooks' face lighted with pleasure in his torture" (71). This shows how Crooks was fooling with Lennie, asking what Lennie would do if George never came back. Lennie started to freak out and Crooks didn't care. Later in the chapter, I learned that Crooks was only trying to get someone to talk to and share his feelings about his life. Crooks told Lennie, " If I say something, why it's just a negro sayin' it" (70). This shows how Crooks trusted Lennie. He is trusting Lennie with his feelings. Crooks even says, "...If you... guys would want a hand to work for nothing-just his keep, why I'd come an' lend a hand" (76). Crooks was talking about George and Jennie's dream land and how he would help if they needed it. I was surprised that Crooks offered because I wouldn't expect him to believe they would be able to make it. This showed me how Crooks was letting Lennie in. I was very surprised how Crooks ended up in this chapter because I didn't like him at first. Towards the end of part 4, I started to really appreciate him. In this chapter, I learned that all Crooks wants is someone to talk to and that he trusts Lennie.
Crooks: Part 4
In Part 4, I learned quite a bit about Crooks. Even though he is an African American, "...being a stable buck and a cripple, he was more permanent than the other men"(page 67). I think this means that he is very good at his job and he is trusted by the boss. Also I think that Crooks is going to stay longer at the ranch because he has so much experience with his job. Because Crooks has been at the ranch a long time, "... he had accumulated more possessions than he could carry on his back"(page 67). He was proud of all of his possessions, especially his books. I think he reads books to keep himself occupied because he is a lonely person. He does not have anyone to share anything with. When Lennie comes in, Crooks talks to him about his life. When he was talking Lennie, he was on guard, but deep inside I think he was grateful to be talking to someone. While he was talking to Lennie, he said "A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. Don't make no difference who the guy is, long's he's with you"(page 72). I think this clearly shows that Crooks does not like to alone and that he is sick of it. Just as the quote said, he needs someone to talk to and get his feelings out. He tells Lennie, and even though he wasn't listening, Crooks keeps talking just so he spill his heart out. He wants to talk to other people, but since he is an African American, he knows it won't just happen.
Part 4
4. Curley’s wife reveals several times throughout her appearance in Section 4 that she is in the same exact state of mind as these men (i.e. LONELY) – where did we see evidence of this?
In part four of Of Mice and Men, Curley's wife reveals a different personality that wasn't shown when Curley was near her. When Curley's wife joins Candy, Lennie, and Crooks during their talk, she talks about her loneliness and why she was always wanting attention from the men. "Think I don't like to talk to someone ever' once in a while? Think I like to stick in that house alla time?" (77). This shows that Curley's wife is wanting to engage and explore the outer world, and not just stay at home doing work. She explains how she is lonely and has nobody to talk to except sometimes to Curley. She wants to go out and meet people, but since Curley's too protective of her and the other men don't like her because they know she's trouble, she has nothing to do. Curley's wife's excuse for going outside is to look for Curley, when really she wants attention. I think that because of her loneliness, she's going to cause trouble with one of the men, specifically Lennie, because he isn't sure what to do all the time when there's trouble.
Part four
While reading part four in Of Mice and Men, I further got to know about Crooks, the Negro stable buck. He expressed many of his inner thoughts by his speech. When Lennie enters Crooks solitude shed looking for the puppy, Crooks says "Well, go see your pup, then. Don't come in a place where you're not wanted" (69). Here he states to Lennie that people are not supposed to be where they are not wanted. This relates to Crooks and his inner feelings because earlier, he explained that the men on the ranch don't want him playing games with them because he is black. I think here, Crooks is trying to make Lennie feel bad by stating he isn't wanted there, possibly because Crooks wants Lennie to show empathy for him. Crooks later then asks Lennie "S'pose you didn't have nobody. S'pose you couldn't go into the bunkhouse and play rummy 'cause you was black..." (72). Here I can definitely tell that Crooks wants Lennie to view things his way. He wants him to understand the pain and sorrow in his true mind. Now that I really understand how hard Crooks wants one to feel his feeling and show empathy, I realized that he is really hurt about not feeling "wanted".
Part 4
Throughout part 4 of Of Mice and Men, Curley's wife reveals several times that she is lonely. When Curley's wife was talking to Lennie, Candy, and Crooks, she admitted why she was always asking for attention. "Think I don't like to talk to someone ever' once in a while? Think I like to stick in that house alla time?" (77). In this explanation she was giving to Lennie, Candy, and Crooks, she told them that she was lonely sitting in the house all the time with no one to talk to except Curley. Curley's wife just wanted someone to talk to especially since she's the only girl in town and Curley is always very protective of her, so she can't talk that much to most people. She just wants to have a conversation with someone outside of her house. This explains why Curley's wife wants to leave the house "looking" for Curley and draws attention to herself everywhere she goes.
PART 4:
Part 4 Of Mice and Men:
In part 4 in Of Mice and Men, I thought it was peculiar that even though Crooks was a crippled African American in the 1900's, Steinbeck states "...being a stable buck and a cripple, [Crooks] was more permanent then the other men"(67). I think Steinbeck is showing us as his readers that Crooks has had this job for many years and the boss has no intention of firing or dismissing him, not only because he has many years of experience as a stable buck, but also because he was crippled and couldn't find another job easily. Maybe this is showing a sympathy from the boss or proving why the farm hands had spoken so highly of the boss at the beginning of the book, though they may be scared of him.
And since Crooks had a more permanent job then the other men, and alone in his barnyard room, "...he had accumulated more possessions then he could carry on his back"(67). Especially books, which I presume he read to soothe his lonely mind. But as Crooks made clear to Lennie in part 4, Crooks does not enjoy being alone at all. Crooks fantasized to Lennie about having someone and tortured Lennie's weak mind, repeatedly telling him to try and picture his life without George. But the whole time, Crooks was actually trying to tell Lennie how he felt, trying to get him to understand his desperation for someone, and maybe gain some sympathy or even a friend out of Lennie. But Lennie couldn't understand that underneath all of Crooks harsh words against George, that he was pleading for compassion. Crooks practically yelled at Lennie, "A guy needs somebody-to be near him...A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. Don't make no difference who the guy is as long as he's with you. I'll tell ya a guy gets to lonely an' he gets sick"(73). Crooks understands why George keeps Lennie around in the first few minutes of talking to him, while the other men think George has no reason for traveling with Lennie. Lennie and George have each other to confide in, while Crooks has no one. He spills his heart out to Lennie, and in seeing that Lennie will not tell anyone how he feels, he just keeps talking. It's probably the first time in a long time that Crooks has had such an intimate conversation and he yearns to be able to have the freedom to do so regularly, but he knows that that is just a fantasy. So, Crooks confides in his books, his only real friends.
In part 4 in Of Mice and Men, I thought it was peculiar that even though Crooks was a crippled African American in the 1900's, Steinbeck states "...being a stable buck and a cripple, [Crooks] was more permanent then the other men"(67). I think Steinbeck is showing us as his readers that Crooks has had this job for many years and the boss has no intention of firing or dismissing him, not only because he has many years of experience as a stable buck, but also because he was crippled and couldn't find another job easily. Maybe this is showing a sympathy from the boss or proving why the farm hands had spoken so highly of the boss at the beginning of the book, though they may be scared of him.
And since Crooks had a more permanent job then the other men, and alone in his barnyard room, "...he had accumulated more possessions then he could carry on his back"(67). Especially books, which I presume he read to soothe his lonely mind. But as Crooks made clear to Lennie in part 4, Crooks does not enjoy being alone at all. Crooks fantasized to Lennie about having someone and tortured Lennie's weak mind, repeatedly telling him to try and picture his life without George. But the whole time, Crooks was actually trying to tell Lennie how he felt, trying to get him to understand his desperation for someone, and maybe gain some sympathy or even a friend out of Lennie. But Lennie couldn't understand that underneath all of Crooks harsh words against George, that he was pleading for compassion. Crooks practically yelled at Lennie, "A guy needs somebody-to be near him...A guy goes nuts if he ain't got nobody. Don't make no difference who the guy is as long as he's with you. I'll tell ya a guy gets to lonely an' he gets sick"(73). Crooks understands why George keeps Lennie around in the first few minutes of talking to him, while the other men think George has no reason for traveling with Lennie. Lennie and George have each other to confide in, while Crooks has no one. He spills his heart out to Lennie, and in seeing that Lennie will not tell anyone how he feels, he just keeps talking. It's probably the first time in a long time that Crooks has had such an intimate conversation and he yearns to be able to have the freedom to do so regularly, but he knows that that is just a fantasy. So, Crooks confides in his books, his only real friends.
Curley's Wife: Loneliness
In part 4 of OMAM, Curley's wife showed a totally different side of herself. As she talked with Candy, Lennie, and Crooks, she finally told them why she was always drawing attention to herself. "Think I don't like to talk to someone ever' once in a while? Think I like to stick in that house alla time?" (77) During this outburst, she let them know that she is very lonely because no one is ever in the house to keep her company. So, she goes out of the house a lot just so she can have a conversation with someone. It would definitely be very hard to stay in the house all day everyday, so I hope that this conflict is resolved at some point in the book.
Monday, April 3, 2017
Part 4 (OPTIONAL prompts)
Part 4:
(REMEMBER: These topics are OPTIONAL; you can respond to them in a post, or just used them as direction for what to focus on while you read)
1. We finally get to know Crooks. What stood out to you or surprised you about him? With what intentions do you think Steinbeck deliberately characterized him?
2. “Crooks’ face lighted with pleasure in his torture [of Lennie]” – p. 71
At first this made me strongly dislike Crooks! BUT, after reading on, Steinbeck made it clear WHY Crooks was toying with Lennie about George not returning. Discuss your interpretations of this…
3. What is ironic about Curley’s wife’s statement: “They left all the weak ones here.” – p. 77
4. Curley’s wife reveals several times throughout her appearance in Section 4 that she is in the same exact state of mind as these men (i.e. LONELY) – where did we see evidence of this?
5. Some thoughts to discuss on the ending scene:
- Why does Crooks change his mind about wanting in on their dream?
- Why do you think Curley’s wife intends to get herself some rabbits?
- How did Curley’s wife ultimately “win” the argument?
Friday, March 17, 2017
How George and Lennie Stay on Track to their Dream
In part three of the novel, Of Mice and Men, I noticed how dedicated George and Lennie are towards reaching their dream. The men both resist peer pressure and fun opportunities in order to stay out of trouble and save up their money.
As George gets to know more people on the ranch he gets may offers to join in on some of the ranch fun. While talking to Whit, George learns about Susy's saloon where the ranch men like to go to in their free time. Whit explains how at Susy's saloon, men have a fun time drinking and listening to Susy's jokes. When Whit asks if George would like to tag along, George is very quick to respond. He says "Me an' Lennie's rollin' up a stake. I might go in an' set and have a shot, but I ain't puttin' out no two and a half." (53). This shows George's dedication to the dream because he rejects an offer from a new friend to make sure that he is saving up any money that comes into his pockets. George also makes a conscious decision, on page 54, to make sure that he stays out of trouble. When word gets out that there could be a possible fight between Slim and Curly, the men in the bunkhouse are quick to run out and explore the action. When Whit wants George to join him, George responds by saying "I'm stayin' right here. I don't want to get mixed up in nothing. Lennie and me got to make a stake"(54). When George stayed back at the bunkhouse it showed how he truly did not want to get in trouble. He was determined to stay out of trouble long enough to receive their stake. By resisting the action in these two situations, it shows that George is making a definite effort to achieve his dream.
After George and Lennie let Candy in on their dream, they realize that their dream really could come true. Lennie is extremely excited and can't stop himself from smiling. When Curley came into the bunkhouse after arguing with Slim, he thought that Lennie was smiling because he was laughing at him. The misunderstanding quickly led to punches being thrown. Lennie, who was determined to stay on his best behavior to achieve their dream, did not fight back or defend himself in order to stay out of trouble. I think that Lennie's reaction to the fight shows how much he protects the dream. In the depressing time Lennie is living in, there is not much that can bring happiness. I can tell that the dream gives Lennie a true sense of happiness and hope. He will not let any bad behavior stand in the way of achieving his happiness/dream.
George and Lennie's resistance towards pressure truly show that the men are working towards their dream. Throughout part three I saw that George and Lennie both have a profound dedication to their dream. John Steinbeck used this section in the book to show how George and Lennie's mindset about their dream transitioned from a thought in the back of their heads to a true goal.
As George gets to know more people on the ranch he gets may offers to join in on some of the ranch fun. While talking to Whit, George learns about Susy's saloon where the ranch men like to go to in their free time. Whit explains how at Susy's saloon, men have a fun time drinking and listening to Susy's jokes. When Whit asks if George would like to tag along, George is very quick to respond. He says "Me an' Lennie's rollin' up a stake. I might go in an' set and have a shot, but I ain't puttin' out no two and a half." (53). This shows George's dedication to the dream because he rejects an offer from a new friend to make sure that he is saving up any money that comes into his pockets. George also makes a conscious decision, on page 54, to make sure that he stays out of trouble. When word gets out that there could be a possible fight between Slim and Curly, the men in the bunkhouse are quick to run out and explore the action. When Whit wants George to join him, George responds by saying "I'm stayin' right here. I don't want to get mixed up in nothing. Lennie and me got to make a stake"(54). When George stayed back at the bunkhouse it showed how he truly did not want to get in trouble. He was determined to stay out of trouble long enough to receive their stake. By resisting the action in these two situations, it shows that George is making a definite effort to achieve his dream.
After George and Lennie let Candy in on their dream, they realize that their dream really could come true. Lennie is extremely excited and can't stop himself from smiling. When Curley came into the bunkhouse after arguing with Slim, he thought that Lennie was smiling because he was laughing at him. The misunderstanding quickly led to punches being thrown. Lennie, who was determined to stay on his best behavior to achieve their dream, did not fight back or defend himself in order to stay out of trouble. I think that Lennie's reaction to the fight shows how much he protects the dream. In the depressing time Lennie is living in, there is not much that can bring happiness. I can tell that the dream gives Lennie a true sense of happiness and hope. He will not let any bad behavior stand in the way of achieving his happiness/dream.
George and Lennie's resistance towards pressure truly show that the men are working towards their dream. Throughout part three I saw that George and Lennie both have a profound dedication to their dream. John Steinbeck used this section in the book to show how George and Lennie's mindset about their dream transitioned from a thought in the back of their heads to a true goal.
Thursday, March 16, 2017
Part 3: The Dream of Lennie and George
4. We learned a LOT more detail about George & Lennie’s dream. But “when Candy spoke, they both jumped as though they had been caught doing something reprehensible…[and] George was on guard immediately.” WHY the panic??? And why do you think Candy wants “in” on the dream?
Both George and Lennie dreamed of having that farm and hut for so long, that when Candy spoke, they were immediately on guard because they felt that the dream was theirs and theirs only. They were at first very reluctant to talk to Candy about the dream. Candy really wanted in on the dream because he was an old man who was tired and lonely. He deserved to have his own home instead of working on the ranch day and night. He also wanted some friends and a place to call home. He was desperate and offered all his money for it. Soon, Both Lennie and George on board.
Part 3
My personal reaction to the fight between Curley and Lennie was surprised and shock filled because as small as Lennies personality is, he is physically built large and sturdier. Given the differences between Lennie's physical and mental abilities, the significance of this fight was "don't judge a book by it's cover" because Curley assumed that just because Lennie had a mental disability, that it might impact his physical capabilities as well. Well, he was wrong!
In the beginning of the fight Lennie cried, "Make 'um stop, George"(Steinbeck 63) which showcases his inner child. This affected Slim who jumped up and cried,"The dirty little rat," he cried, "I'll get 'um myself"(Steinbeck 63) because he felt bad for helpless Lennie.
As the fight went on, "The next minute Curley was flopping like a fish on a line, and his closed fist was lost in Lennie's big hand" (Steinbeck 63). Clearly, he had underestimated Lennie's physical ability because of his childish mind which is trapped in his muscular man body. This symbolizes the "don't judge a book by it's cover" quote because in the beginning, Lennie was desperately taking the pain when Curley was attacking, but it then flipped over to Lennie's actions meeting the expectations of his fit body.
Now moving backwards into time when the Weed scene occurred, this explains why Curley misjudged Lennie's physical capability since he didn't know Lennie's history with accidentally hurting others. That nightmare may have trailed back into Lennie's memory causing his momentum and strength to increase with the time it takes to snap your fingers. Had Curley known this, he may not have forgotten the important lesson of "don't judge a book by it's cover" and how to not judge an appearance to the personality hiding behind its walls.
In the beginning of the fight Lennie cried, "Make 'um stop, George"(Steinbeck 63) which showcases his inner child. This affected Slim who jumped up and cried,"The dirty little rat," he cried, "I'll get 'um myself"(Steinbeck 63) because he felt bad for helpless Lennie.
As the fight went on, "The next minute Curley was flopping like a fish on a line, and his closed fist was lost in Lennie's big hand" (Steinbeck 63). Clearly, he had underestimated Lennie's physical ability because of his childish mind which is trapped in his muscular man body. This symbolizes the "don't judge a book by it's cover" quote because in the beginning, Lennie was desperately taking the pain when Curley was attacking, but it then flipped over to Lennie's actions meeting the expectations of his fit body.
Now moving backwards into time when the Weed scene occurred, this explains why Curley misjudged Lennie's physical capability since he didn't know Lennie's history with accidentally hurting others. That nightmare may have trailed back into Lennie's memory causing his momentum and strength to increase with the time it takes to snap your fingers. Had Curley known this, he may not have forgotten the important lesson of "don't judge a book by it's cover" and how to not judge an appearance to the personality hiding behind its walls.
George vs. Curley THE FIGHT SCENE!!
In part 3 there is conflict between Curley and Lennie or a big fight between them. During the fight scene a characteristic that is clarified in the scene is where George is trying to help or coaching Lennie to fight back. "Get 'im, Lennie!" This quote explains that George believes in Lennie that he is strong enough to take down a meat-headed bully like Curley. Another character that I found interesting was Lennie. He didn't want to fight at all and wanted to get out of it by repeating, "Make 'um let me alone, George." p. 63. Lennie doesn't like getting beat up and doesn't know what to do in this calamity against him. The fight scene is similar to the situation in Weed because of what Lennie does in an awkward and terrible situation. In the fight scene, "George slapped him in the face again, and again, and still Lennie held on to the closed fist." In Weed Lennie wanted to feel a lady's dress and when it didn't turn out the way it was supposed to Lennie held on to the lady's dress. I think Lennie does this because he doesn't know what to do, and he's scared and frightened by the situation. In a way the situation shocks him. Sometimes I get shocked and afraid like Lennie does and I don't know what to do. I remember one time I was at the City Museum for a birthday party, and me and a friend got lost trying to make it back to the group. I was so afraid I didn't know where to go or what to do so I panicked and couldn't think of where we were or where to go. Even though this situation isn't even close to what happened to Lennie, I still had the same feeling when I get scared and confused.
Part 3:
In part 3 Of Mice and Men a fight occurred between Lennie and
Curley. This fight really surprised me because of the way Curley attacked
Lennie and Lennie actually fought back. I was so shocked about this fight
because Curley had attacked Lennie even though Lennie had done nothing wrong.
Curley was just very mad at the men who attacked him but Lennie smiling after
Curley had been attacked so Curley started to fight Lennie. Lennie was thinking
about the dream he had planned of him and George which made him happy when he was
attacked by Curley. Curley walks over to Lennie and in a cruel voice says
"what the h**** you laughin' at" (62). Curley's rage is exploding and
he is trying to get into a fight. Lennie quickly tries to back away but before
he knows it Curley is slashing at him and punching his bloody nose. Lennie
is struggling so much he cries “George,
make him leave me alone” (63) but George just keeps yelling “get him Lennie get
him.”(63) Finally, when Lennie is backed up into a wall with George and Slim
yelling at him to get Curley, Lennie grabs Curley’s fist and Curly is painfully
on the ground. Bloods running down Lennie’s face but he won’t let go of Curley’s
hand even with George yelling “Let go of him Lennie, let go.” (64) Lennie lets
go after George slaps him over and over again but it’s too late about every
bone in Curley’s hand is broken and Lennie is confused. I think that this scene shows how Lennie is such a kind person but he is too strong to control himself and Curley underestimated Lennie. Now, looking back into the weed scene that Lennie was accused of rape, I can tell that he was trying to control himself so something bad wouldn't happen again but he couldn't handle it. I think that when Lennie grabbed the woman's skirt and wouldn't let go kind of is just like when Lennie grabbed Curley's hand and wouldn't let go. That is why it was so hard for Lennie to fight back when Curley was attacking him because it reminded Lennie of why him and George had to change their whole lives by moving. So I think Lennie didn't want to make the same mistake that is why he didn't fight Curley back until he couldn't resist anymore.
Part 3 Fight Scene
In part 3 of of Mice and Men, a fight occurred between Lennie and Curley. I think the significance of this fight was to show how kind and gentle Lennie is, but how he can get into trouble wrought trying because he's so strong. The fight started when Curley walked in and Lennie was still smiling from the thought of having his own rabbits. Curley said in a brusque voice, "What the h*** you laughin' at?" (62). Lennie tried get away, but Curley went after him to fast. He started punching and hitting Lennie in the face, causing him bleed. Lennie was too scared of what was happening to fight back. I think Lennie is too scared to fight back because of what happened in Weed. Earlier in the book, George talks to Slim about what happened. He says, "I heard all the yellin', so I comes running, an' by the time Lennie's so scared all he can do is jus' hold on" (41). George is talking about how Lennie just wanted to touch the girls dress, but she got scared and started to freak out. Lennie didn't know what to do except to just keep holding on. He didn't want to hurt the girl, but he was too strong, so she couldn't run away. Lennie was accused of raping the girl, so George and Lennie had to leave town. During the fight scene, I think Lennie is haunted by the memory of not being able to let go. Lennie is too scared to fight back because he doesn't want to hurt anyone, including Curley.
Part 3
At the end of chapter 3 in my opinion Curley started a fight with Lennie. Although fighitng isn't a good thing, Curley should have been fighting with Carlson rather than Lennie. Lennie was only, "Smiling with delight at the memory of the ranch." Lennie was not making fun of Curley or laughing at him. Carlson and Curley should have been fighting instead because Carlson said to Curley, " You come for me, an' I'll kick your God d*** head off." Carlson also called Curley, " A God d*** punk." Lennie never spoke to or about Curley until he came over and told him to, " Get up on your feet." On the other hand Carlson made a threat to Curley and called him out of his name. During the beginning of the fight Lennie was to frightened to defend himself and cried out, "Make 'um stop, George." George did not tell Curley to stop and he didn't run to help Lennie fight Curley either. Instead George told Lennie, " Get him, Lennie. Don't let him do it." George wanted Lennie to stand up for himself and fight Curley alone. Slim got a little upset and cried out, " The dirty little rat, I'll get 'um myself." Slim got tired of watching Curley beat on Lennie and Lennie crying out for help. George held Slim back and continued to shout," Get 'im Lennie!" George didn't want Slim fighting Curley either. After a few moments, " Curley was flopping like a fish on a line, and his closed fist was lost in Lennie's big hand." Lennie finally fought back and hit Curley really hard. Once Lennie got a hold of Curley's fist he would not let it go. Even when George, " Slapped him in the face again and again, and still Lennie held on to the closed fist. I think George and Slim felt the same way about the fighting situation. They felt that it wasn't Lennie's fault and Curley had it coming to him anyway. I also think that George, Slim, and Candy all felt that Lennie was a strong fella and no one should ever try and mess with him.
Part 3
Throughout part 3, I noticed the author, John Steinbeck, expressed the mood of the scenes using the lighting. First in the beginning of the chapter, there was a depressing vibe from the quote, "It was almost dark outside now. Old Candy, the swamper, came in and went to his bunk, and behind him struggled his old dog" (43). This represents the scene to be very gloomy because it was dark out and the characters are described as old, and weak. This later explains why this part was not the most happy and cheerful part. I think the author wanted to set this scary tone to present the next scene about shooting of the poor, cripple dog. Carlson "lead the dog into the darkness" (48). This word choice also sets a scary, depressed tone. The word darkness in this quote makes me think of death, which was what he was doing, leading the dog into death. I think it was smart and creative for the author to use the lighting to describe the mood further so one can really understand what it was like right then, with the characters, experiencing the same as them. From these examples, I can tell that the author used the lighting to set the gloomy feeling of the scenes.
Part 3 (the fight scene)
In part 3, a fight occurred between Lennie and Curley. While I was reading this part, I was able to find the significance of it. The fight started when Curley walked in and Lennie was still smiling from the thought of taking care of his rabbits. Curley said in a cruel voice, "What the h**** you laughin' at?" (62). Lennie tried to back away but Curley went after him. He started Punching and slashing Lennie in the face, making him bleed. Lennie was too scared to fight back. I think Lennie is too scared because of the Weed situation. On page 41, George talks to Slim about a situation that occurred in Weed. He says, "I heard all the yellin', so I comes running, an' by the time Lennie's so scared all he can do is jus' hold on" (41). George is explaining that Lennie grabbed onto a girl's dress and wouldn't let go because he was too scared. Since Lennie is very strong, the girl couldn't run away. Lennie was accused of rape and they had to run away. During the fight scene, I believe Lennie is remembering the fear of not being able to let go. Lennie is too scared to fight back because he doesn't want to hurt anyone. Lennie decided to just let Curley beat him up until finally George said, Get him, Lennie" (63). Lennie grabbed Curley's fist and busted it. Lennie didn't mean to hurt Curley, but it was his only choice. I believe this scene was very important because it shows how kind Lennie is but also how he can get into trouble without even trying.
Part 3: Candy's dog
In part 3 of Of Mice and Men Candy's dog is shot, and the conversation leading up to that is intriguing. In the beginning of the conversation Carlson suggests shooting the dog, because of his old age and because he smelled. I think that there might have been a reason beyond the smell to why he wanted to shoot the dog, for example I think that he may not have liked Candy and wanted to get back at him. Also, he could have been being selfish and was only thinking about how he did not like the dog. Furthermore, the dog itself and the shooting of the dog could have symbolized Candy's hope, since he held onto the dog for so long. In the end when Candy finally agrees to have the dog shot, I think it was because although he truly loved the dog, it was suffering. "[The dog] can't eat, can't see, can't even walk without hurtin'" (47). So, I believe that Candy was just wanting to put his ancient dog out of misery.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Part 3
I was shocked about the fight in Part 3, because of the way Curley attacked Lennie and how Lennie fought back. I was shocked about how Curley attacked Lennie first, when he didn't do anything in the first place. Curley was the one who was angry at the other men for attacking him, and Lennie was just smiling because he was thinking about the dream that he planned with George, which made him happy. Lennie was attacked, and I could tell that Lennie was shocked too, about why Curley punched him and started attacking him. During the fight, I could tell that some characteristics that solidified Curley's personality was that he was rough, he wasn't very caring about others, he wanted all the power since his father was the boss, and that Curley threw his anger and problems at others, not himself. I could also identify some characteristics that solidified Lennie's personality was that he was stronger physically than he was mentally, and that he fought back at Curley when he was told to by George. I feel like Lennie's power and strength will cause trouble in the future and will cause him to go to the bush where he was told to by George if there was a problem.
The Dream of Lennie and George
In part 3 in Of Mice and Men, George and Lennie talked more about their and what they plan to do in the future. I learned the tiny details of the dream. While George was talking to Lennie about their future, "His[George] voice was growing warmer"(page 57). I think that for once George has loosened up and just for a moment, he stopped worrying about Lennie. I also think that George has always been the person that keeps everything inside. I had never seen George so open before, and I know it is a new thing for him too. But when Candy joins in, "George was on guard immediately"(page 59). Candy just ruined the moment of George becoming someone that wasn't upset or grumpy all the time. I know that Candy wants to leave the ranch, but I think George won't be as happy as he could be. I want Candy to be happy too, especially since his dog died recently. I think he has been lonely lately and he wants to go with George and Lennie, that way they can sort-of replace his dog so he won't feel so alone. Maybe he will stay at the ranch because that is where his dog was born. Thus, I think and hope everyone will get what they want or what they need.
Of Mice and Men Part 3:
Part 3:
This unlikely pair, George and Lennie, are together for reasons other then companionship. In part 3 in Of Mice and Men, George confesses to Slim about how he, "Used to play jokes on [Lennie] cause he was to dumb to take care of 'imself. But he was too dumb to even know he had a joke played on him. I had fun"(40). But then George explains a situation in which he tells Lennie to do something terribly dangerous, and Lennie forgives him immediately after, giving no second thought to being angry toward George. And George says to Slim during this confession, "Well I ain't done nothing like that no more"(40). I think that George feels great remorse toward the way he treated Lennie. Lennie has become his family overtime, but George still remembers the times where he took advantage of Lennie to bring himself up and feels at fault for his prier actions. I think George knows that he must make up for his faulty behavior by making sure nobody ever treats Lennie that way again as he did before.
This unlikely pair, George and Lennie, are together for reasons other then companionship. In part 3 in Of Mice and Men, George confesses to Slim about how he, "Used to play jokes on [Lennie] cause he was to dumb to take care of 'imself. But he was too dumb to even know he had a joke played on him. I had fun"(40). But then George explains a situation in which he tells Lennie to do something terribly dangerous, and Lennie forgives him immediately after, giving no second thought to being angry toward George. And George says to Slim during this confession, "Well I ain't done nothing like that no more"(40). I think that George feels great remorse toward the way he treated Lennie. Lennie has become his family overtime, but George still remembers the times where he took advantage of Lennie to bring himself up and feels at fault for his prier actions. I think George knows that he must make up for his faulty behavior by making sure nobody ever treats Lennie that way again as he did before.
Part 3 OPTIONAL prompts
1. On p. 39 George spoke “proudly” of Lennie for the first
time ever while talking to Slim. Later, on p. 44 Candy spoke proudly of his old
dog as well. How are these two situations alike?
2. Beyond the smell, why do you think Carlson suggested
shooting the dog? What might the dog itself, or the shooting of the dog, symbolize?
Why do you think Candy eventually agreed to it?
3. Any time an author uses repetition, it is usually
meaningful. Steinbeck has used the word ‘deliberate’ five times (so far)
throughout the novel. Find the word on pages 22, 28, 42, 51, and 55 and see if
you can find the significance. He also uses the word “morosely” numerous times;
evaluate its meaning. Finally, he refers to Lennie’s strength repeatedly; why?
4. We learned a LOT more detail about George & Lennie’s
dream. But “when Candy spoke, they both jumped as though they had been caught
doing something reprehensible…[and] George was on guard immediately.” WHY the
panic??? And why do you think Candy wants “in” on the dream?
5. DO NOT SUMMARIZE “the fight scene”. Instead, analyze its
significance! What characteristics were solidified about the many characters
who were present during this calamity
(Curley, George, Lennie, Carlson, Candy, Slim)? What similarities did you find
between this fight and the situation in Weed?
6. Throughout part 3, Steinbeck infuses imagery using light
and darkness. What is the effect on the reader? (mood) And what might it
symbolize?
7. Have you begun to notice the language that Steinbeck uses
to describe Slim? Without simply listing quotes about him, analyze Steinbeck’s
word choice regarding Slim’s physical characteristics and actions.
George and Lennie's Dream
George and Lennie's Dream
In part 3 of Of Mice and Men, we learn a lot more about George and Lennie's dream and what they plan to do once they make more money. Whenever Lennie asks George to tell him the dream about living in their own house, I think it seems as George lets his guard down and speaks from his heart. When he started to talk, "his voice was growing warmer" (Steinbeck 57). George imagined all the food they could grow, owning their own house, and doing whatever they wanted to. Candy was overhearing their conversation and he wanted to go with them to their future house. I think George and Lennie became very defensive and panicked when Candy asked "How much they want a place like that?" (Steinbeck 59) because George does not like anyone else in his business, and they wanted to keep it private so that no one else would know and try to sabotage them from getting their dream. George and Lennie were also very apprehensive because "we was always gonna do it by ourselves" (Steinbeck 59). My surmise is that Candy wants to leave the ranch and go with George and Lennie because of the way the men on the ranch have recently been treating him. He is clearly distressed when he says, "You seen what they done to my dog tonight" (Steinbeck 60)? I'm guessing that his dog was the only thing keeping him at the ranch because that's where his' dog was born, and he has very many great memories there with the dog. I am thrilled to find out what will become of the situation that George, Lennie, and Candy are facing.
George's Demeanor While Talking About His Dream
While George was explaining their dream, he gradually turned into a whole different person. As he talked, his "voice was growing warmer" (57). The amazing details he added to the fantasy sucked him into a whole different world, and we saw a part of him we hadn't seen before. He was becoming much more affable and thoughtful, which is very different from his usual grumpy demeanor. Also, his very compassionate speech really made Candy believe that they could do this, and ultimately led him to want to join in. I am really happy that Candy was inclined to join in on their dream, but I also think that he might accidentally do something to ruin their plans. I would hate to see the excited George we have just met to become very depressed and grumpy. Although, I am very hopeful that the plan will work out, and we will continue to see George become a much nicer, open person.
Monday, March 6, 2017
George's Devotion to Lennie
In part 2 of the novel Of Mice and Men, I noticed how George has to constantly change his character to make sure Lennie is safe. Naturally, George is a dreamer. I saw him let down his guard and explain his dream to Lennie in part one. To protect Lennie, George has to oftentimes cover up his dreams with discipline and reality. When George and Lennie first meet Curly's wife, Lennie is automatically mesmerized by her beauty. George on the other hand has to ignore her attractiveness because he knows the possible consequences of interacting with Curly's wife. When Curly's wife mentions that she is looking for Curly (on page 31), George looks away and then back at her before answering. George's actions show how he had to think before he answered so he could make a safe decision. Throughout this scene Lennie watches Curly's wife and is fascinated, showing how Lennie doesn't truly understand her bad character.
George also continually comes up with excuses to keep Lennie safe. When the men first meet the boss, George was very careful and quick witted when explaining their situation. The boss was very suspicious, but he made sure to come up with a convincing background story. When questioned about their friendship, George says " He's my cousin... He got kicked in the head by a horse when he was a kid. He's awright. Just ain't bright." (22). I think that this creative answer proves that George is very dedicated to making sure that Lennie does not get interrogated by their new boss.
I have come to a full understanding that George has given up a huge part of his life in order to maintain a job and safety for Lennie. He is constantly having to be a more mature roll model for Lennie by changing his dreams and helping him out of trouble.
George also continually comes up with excuses to keep Lennie safe. When the men first meet the boss, George was very careful and quick witted when explaining their situation. The boss was very suspicious, but he made sure to come up with a convincing background story. When questioned about their friendship, George says " He's my cousin... He got kicked in the head by a horse when he was a kid. He's awright. Just ain't bright." (22). I think that this creative answer proves that George is very dedicated to making sure that Lennie does not get interrogated by their new boss.
I have come to a full understanding that George has given up a huge part of his life in order to maintain a job and safety for Lennie. He is constantly having to be a more mature roll model for Lennie by changing his dreams and helping him out of trouble.
Of Mice and Men Part 2:
Part 2:
Throughout the second section of the book, George repeatedly states his dislike for Curly, how he "...don't like mean little guys"(27). I think this might be foreshadowing for a brawl between these two, over something such as Curly's harsh treatment toward Lennie, "He glanced coldly...at Lennie. His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists...Lennie squirmed under the look and shifted his feet nervously"(25). Curly's always attacking Lennie, making him feel lesser, the guys in the bunk say "Curly's like a lot of little guys. He hates big guys, He's alla time picking scraps with big guys"(26). Bug guys like Lennie ought to be able to handle Curly's rough treatment, but Lennie won't understand whats happening, he might go to much or not enough, and probably leave the battling to George.
Throughout the second section of the book, George repeatedly states his dislike for Curly, how he "...don't like mean little guys"(27). I think this might be foreshadowing for a brawl between these two, over something such as Curly's harsh treatment toward Lennie, "He glanced coldly...at Lennie. His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists...Lennie squirmed under the look and shifted his feet nervously"(25). Curly's always attacking Lennie, making him feel lesser, the guys in the bunk say "Curly's like a lot of little guys. He hates big guys, He's alla time picking scraps with big guys"(26). Bug guys like Lennie ought to be able to handle Curly's rough treatment, but Lennie won't understand whats happening, he might go to much or not enough, and probably leave the battling to George.
New Characters!!! Part 2 of OMAM
In this new part of OMAM several new characters were introduced. Some characters are Curly's Wife, Curly, Candy, Slim, and the boss. One character I found particularly interesting is Curly. Curly wants to pick on Lennie all of a sudden when George and Lennie first meet him. It's later revealed by Candy that Curly hates big guys since he's little, and used to fight. Other than Curly's "pleasant behavior" towards Lennie and George, he's married to Curly's Wife and is the son of "the boss". Like "the boss" Curly is not a laboring man, and works by watching over the ranch like his dad. I also noticed in this part of the book how much Curly and his father are alike. They both watch over and own the ranch, they wear the same things ( boots with spurs and no denim like the other workers), and they have kind of the same build up ( short, muscular build). I even hint a similarity in both of their personalities like being suspicious of George and Curly, and being known as a little rough around the edges. Even though these characters are just introduced, there might be more characteristics, similarities, differences, and background there is more to learn about. I would like to know the most how Curly is going to treat Lennie and George on there first day of work. Yet there is more to come!!!!!!!!!
Part #2
In Part 2 Curley's wife wife was introduced. She came into the cabin looking for Curley. Lennie, "watched her fascinated" and said, "gosh, she was purty". This shows that Lennie thought Curley's wife was very attractive. George thought the complete opposite. George told Lennie after Curley's wife left, "Listen
to me you crazy b******, don’t you even take a look at that b****. I don’t care
what she says and what she does. I seen 'em poison before, but I never seen no
piece of jail bait worse than her. You leave her be." This shows that George doesn't want Lennie to have anything to do with Curley's wife because George thinks that she is trouble.
Part 2
In part 2, there were many instances of foreshadowing. One example of foreshadowing was about Candy's old dog and the new puppies. Carlson said, "Why'n't you get Candy to shoot his old dog and give him one of the pups to raise up?" (36) This shows how Candy's dog is causing problems. I think the dog will die soon and Candy will get a new dog. When he gets a new dog, no one will have to complain about it anymore. Also, Lennie wants one of Slim's new puppies and that could be a problem because of the way Lennie treats animals (not knowing he is so strong). The third instance of foreshadowing was with Candy's wife. She came into the room with George and Lennie and was basically flirting with them. Lennie thought she was very, "purdy." George said, "Don't you even take a look at that b****." (32) I think this means that George knows Curley's wife can cause trouble and he doesn't want Lennie getting into it. This shows how Candy's wife could be a problem in the near future.
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