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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Part 2

Part 2:

Through out the second part of Of Mice and Men, I noticed foreshadowing between Curley and Candy's dog on page thirty-seven. The dog "sniffed, and then lay down and put his head between his paws. Curley popped into the doorway... The dog raised his head, but when Curley jerked out, the grizzle head sank to the floor again" (37). I think this shows that the dog thinks that Curley is not trustworthy or is not a good person to be around. Dogs can sense many things such as danger, so when the dog put his head on the floor when Curley walked in, he felt endangered by him. The dog also seemed to be very attentive to Curley and watchful of what he was doing. The dog's reaction with Curley compared to his reaction to George and Lennie because he felt that he could trust George and Lennie so much that he could sleep in front of him, but when Curley appeared in the doorway he was very alert. Candy's dog's actions showed me that Curley is not to be trusted and he will soon do something bad in the upcoming chapters.  

Part 2:

In part 1 and 2 of the novel Of Mice and Men we got introduced to several new characters. Some characters we are introduced to are Curly, Curly's wife, Candy, Slim, and the boss. One character that stood out to me was the boss.The boss stood out to me because he seemed mysterious and inquisitive by asking tons of questions to Lennie and George but not telling them about him and his personality. The boss is physically described as a little stocky man, wearing blue jean trousers, a flannel shirt, a black, unbuttoned vest and a black coat. He is the kind of person who puts his thumbs in his belt on each side of a square steel buckle. The boss also had a soiled brown Stetson hat on his head, he wore high-heeled boots and spurs to prove he was not a laboring man. The bosses actions were sometimes intimidating and sometime like he was questioning you, the boss entered the room with George and Lennie with short, quick steps of a fat legged man, the boss also squinted at people when they didn't quit get their story straight. I learned these things about the boss when he first saw/met Lennie and George, George was doing all the talking. Lennie didn't even speak a word to the boss, this made the boss suspicious that George and Lennie were hiding something and when the boss started questioning them I knew he played an interesting role in the book. I think that this characters role in the story is to be in charge of the ranch, be Curly's father and make sure crazy wronged people don't come to work and get in trouble on the farm. 

Part 2: Foreshadowing

In Of Mice and Men there was a lot of foreshadowing going on in part 2, especially on page 37. Some of this foreshadowing involves Curly and Candy's ancient dog. "Curly popped into the doorway...the dog raised its head, but when Curly (walked) out, the grizzled head sank to the floor" (37). Usually, when a dog doesn't trust someone they watch them constantly, like Candy's dog did when Curly entered the room. A dogs judgement is almost always right, and they only are wary of people that are trouble. So, obviously Curly is going to do something bad, since he is so untrustworthy and should be watched over, as the ancient dog foreshadows. "the ancient dog walked lamely through the open door... sniffed, and then lay down"(37). So, the dog trusts George and Lennie enough to sleep in front of them, yet he is wary of Curly, which says a lot.

Candy's Dog

As I reread the last two pages of part 2 (page 36-37), I noticed that there was some foreshadowing about Candy's dog. "After a moment the ancient dog walked lamely in through the open door. He gazed about with mild, half-blind eyes. He sniffed, and then lay down and put his head between his paws"(page 37). I thinks this means that later on in the book Candy's dogs is going to die. I think that Candy's dog is going to die because in the book it said that the dog is ancient and that he is half blind. This shows that Candy's dog does not have much time left. The book also says that he is very smelly and he can barely walk. I think that this shows foreshadowing of Candy's dogs death because these are all signs of a dog's dying.

Candy's dogs can barely do the things he needs to survive. "Got no teeth, .... near blind, can't eat. Candy feeds him milk. He can't chew nothing else"(page 36). I think that this foreshadows Candy's dog becoming ill also, and then he will have to be put down. I think this because all he drinks is milk, so he does not get enough nutrients from other foods for him to get stronger. Then he will become so weak that he won't be able to survive even with help from other people and doctors.

Part 2 Blog

Of the new characters that were introduced, Slim really stands out to me because of his description. As he walked into the bunkhouse,  he "moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsmen" (33). He also has long black hair and an ageless face. I think that Steinbeck purposely described him like this to make the reader realize that Slim is very cool and confident. He is so confident in himself, that he walks like someone would if they are very rich or high up in society, but he is actually the opposite of that. Steinbeck also wrote that "all talk stopped when he spoke" (33). Again, Steinbeck is purposely trying to convey the fact that Slim is looked up to and is very confident. Slim is almost as well respected as the boss himself. I think that Steinbeck will continue to portray Slim this way.

Curley

Curley

In part 2 of Of Mice and Men, many new characters were introduced into the story. Curley was introduced in the book on pg. 25 as the boss' son. He is a thin young man with a brown face and eyes, he has a head of tightly curled hair and wears high-heeled boots just like the boss. The high-heeled boots symbolizes that Curley wants to be treated like a boss and that he wants to be better than everybody else. Curley's disposition is cold, mean and harsh because "He glanced coldly at George and then at Lennie" (Steinbeck 25) when he first met them. Curley is also intimidated by big guys, so that is why he told George to "Let the big guy talk" when he was referring to Lennie (Steinbeck 25) We learned about Curley by how he talked to the new people on the ranch (George and Lennie) and how he carried himself as a person in general. I think Curley's role in the story is to provide a challenging time on the ranch for George and Lennie, and he will get in the way of Lennie's dreams for having a farm. I think Curley's bitter personality may lead to future fights because he is already making George "scared I'm gonna tangle with that bas****myself" (Steinbeck 37). I am interested to see what obstacles Curley will provide for George and Lennie as they work on the ranch.

Part #2

Part 2

We meet several new characters. Choose one to discuss. What did we learn about them - - physically and their disposition? HOW did we learn about them? What do you think this character’s role in the story is? I am choosing Curly's wife. I learned that she is physically very pretty and obviously wealthy (she has enough money to wear fancy clothes like her shoes, to wear fancy makeup, and to be able to do her hair and paint her nails). At the ranch, her disposition is very innocent at first but the turns ugly as she immediately begins flirting with everyone at the Ranch and acts very unfaithful. We learned that she existed when Candy started gossiping about Curly and he told them about Curly's wife. We also learned from Candy that she had the eye. This means that she was still flirting with almost very man she met and that she had a wandering eye. We actually met Curly's wife when she dropped in to ask were Curly was. When she did that she tried to act very flirty and out there. This obviously worked for Lennie, but not for George who listened to Candy and remembered that she was trouble. He also had more sense than Lennie not to go after a married woman. I think her role in the story is to stir up trouble for George and Lennie. Curly already doesn't like either of them so how will he act if he finds out that his wife was flirting with them.?

Post #2

In the book, Of Mice and Men, a new crude character, Curley was introduced. On page 37, I noticed foreshadowing from Curley and Candy's dogs relationship. The dog peacefully "sniffed, and then lay down and put his head between his paws. Curley popped into the doorway... The dog raised his head, but when Curley jerked out... head sank to the floor again" (37) This clearly shows that the dog felt alarmed around Curley which could mean he is not the most trust-worthy friend to have around. Dogs can sense fear and danger which I think is why the dog was startled near Curley. Also, earlier in the book, George states to Lennie, "You gonna have trouble with the Curley guy. I seen that kind before. He was kinda feelin' you out" (29). This shows that George is also as suspicious as the dog towards Curley. These examples lead me to believe that in the next upcoming chapters, Curley, George, and Lennie, will have some tough situations.

Part 2

Taking place in part 2 of the novel Of Mice and Men, we met a new character named Curley. Curley is a slender young man that has a complexion of a bronze/brown face that contain brown eyes, which are covered by the firm pack of curly hair that lays on his head. On the other hand, he speaks abrasively towards others showcasing that he is not someone to mess around with, and when debating he usually maintains a good stink eye. These traits physical and behavioral were first introduced to readers when the uptight character first approached George and Lennie in the bunkhouse, "his eyes passed over the new men and stopped" (Steinbeck 25). From this I think that Curley portrays a bump in the clearing, meaning that he displays a struggle that George and Lennie will have to learn on how to get over together.

Part 2

      In part 2 of Of Mice and Men, several new characters are revealed, and from one of them, it is Curley. Curley is a young man with curled hair, he wore a glove on his left hand, and he wore high-heeled boots like the boss did. I think that the boots he wore symbolized that he wanted to be treated like the boss, and that he wanted respect from the other workers. His disposition was described by his speech and his actions. An example for his cold disposition was when he first "He glanced coldly at George and then Lennie" (25). This shows that he showed no respect to others, he wasn't welcoming, and that he had a cold personality. Another example of his disposition is when Curley makes Lennie speak instead of George talking for him. "George said, 'S'pose he don't want to talk?' Curley lashed his body around. 'By Christ, he's gotta talk when he's spoke to. What the h-ll are you gettin' into it for?'" (25). Curley doesn't want anyone talking back to him, knowing that he has more power than others. He also wants everything under his power, so anyone new to the job should respect him. I think the Curley's role in the book is to be an obstacle for Lennie and his life in the vegetable fields. I think that someone or something that has to do with Curley will tangle with Lennie and become an issue.

Part 2 (optional prompts)

Part 2:

(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. We meet several new characters. Choose one to discuss. What did we learn about them - - physically and their disposition? HOW did we learn about them? What do you think this character’s role in the story is?

2. Of the new characters that were introduced, does anyone stand out to you as different from the others? How so? What do you think Steinbeck’s rationale (thinking/planning) was here?

3. Steinbeck often reveals important information at the end of each section. Reread p 37 again closely. Analyze what is said about George and/or about Candy’s dog. What foreshadowing and/or symbolism is being addressed here?

Part 1:

1. There are examples of symbolism, foreshadowing, AND irony within just this first section! Identify one of these and explain. It is very Ironic that Lennie, the tall, broad shoulder man, is not the leader. Usually in movies the tall and strong man is the one who is the Leader. Instead he acts like a child. While George, the small, short, and quick man is the leader. This is Ironic because normally in books there is a tall and string leader and protagonist. In this book, the two protagonists are either tall, strong, and not that smart, or short quick, and smart.