Extract+Study

=Extract Studies=

This page contains close readings of specific passages in the book.

**Contribution Instructions**
Remember to put your chapter title in "heading 1" font. Write the question in "Heading 2" font Include your name. Put your contribution in the proper order.

Steinbeck etc.. etc. Answer in full sentences.
=Extract Section 1(a)=

3. What do George's first words to Lennie tell us about the relationship between the two men?
C. Chalmers answers:

George's first words to Lenny are "Lennie!...Lennie, for God' sakes don't drink so much." We are told that he speaks Lennie's name "sharply".(3) These words make it clear that George is Lennie's caretaker, and that he is somewhat annoyed at having to watch out for him.

=Extract Study Section 1 (b)=

George often uses the specific colloquial language of the intinerant worker. Copy down these examples and explain in your own words what they mean.
C. Chalmers answers:

"Work up a stake" means to get enough money to do something with. "Blow their stake" on the other hand, means to spend or wate their money. "Get the jack" means simply to get the money. "Poundin' their tail" means working hard.

=Extract Study Section 2 (a)=

==Steinbeck lists many personal items that the men use. What is the effect of this? etc Q1:The bunk-house is a strange mixture of the homely and the bare. List the good and bad things about the location that emerge through the description.==

Iverson7' s answer:

The description of the bunk-house in the book is detailed as though showing a bunkhouse."In three walls there were small, square window and in the fourth,a solid door with a wooden latch. "（17) notional clue that lead us to understand that .The workers who live in there were controlled by someone,so feel much depressed.On the contrary.the workers found the delight by themselves."In the middle of the room stood a big square table littered with playing cards,and around it were grouped boxes for the player to sit on."（17）Fortunately,there is a kind of amusement in the bunk-house,As i was watching the movie i saw the workers playing cards on the big square table.Hardly can workers feel free and relaxed under the pressure from the boss. but they enjoyed themselves in the gray house. We can see the light and dark in the bunk-house through the description.

Perry's answer: Q1 Besides,talk about the "bunkhouse"

Basically, the bunkhouse was a quite long and narrow house with unpainted floors and had only few small windows. There were eight bunks and three of them without any blankets. There were boxes and slept on cots. Later in the story, Lennie and George complaint about the bugs in the pillows and their pillows were made out of straw. In the middle of the room was a table with cards on it. Frankly speaking, if there is only one reason i would like it is because people could play cards for entertainment. Ironically, if people only had cards for fun and tended to become addicted to it. The noise would definitely disrupt other people who don't play like Candy. The bunk house was described smelly and crowded. " It as being small and empty like they had to sit on boxes. "Besides, how could we imagine a can of bug spray on the floor? This didn't welcome to me. I would feel it liked a cramped place where i had no privacy. George seemed agree with me. While staring at a little yellow can that contained poison for killing roaches, " What the hell's this?"(Chapter2, P18,Line 18) Apparently, Lennie and George were not impressed with their new home since their home depicted a clear picture of emptiness, numbness and vapidity. Obviously, the bunk house was the major setting in the story because of its replication. Based on the introduction, the story was taken place in the U.S., near streams, on the remote ranch. This was how everything looked like in 1930s, the description of Steinbeck gave the bunkhouse emphasizes of the lack of security and relief in people's heart. Living in such a place, these migrant workers during the Great Depression like Lennie and George would not expect to stay in any one place too long. For Candy who didn't have too much fun. His only companion was his dog. He was still struggling against his destiny for his whole life......

=Extract Study Section 2(b)= ==Q1: Later in the novel, Candy is one of a group of characters refered to as 'the weak one'. Find three ways in which Steinbeck presents him as physically weak and/ or old, and comment on your choice of quotations.==

Bill Ding's answer:

"... a tall, stoop-shouldered old man came in." (18) "He pointed with his right arms, and out of the sleeve came a round stick-like wrist, but no hand." (18) "The old swamper shifted his broom and held it between his elbow and his side while he held out his hand for the can." (18) These three quotations described the oldness and weakness of Candy physically that he is sttop-shouldered and disabled, due to losing his arm. When he tries to sweep the floor, he experiences great hardship because he couldn't use his hands. These quotations all can show that Candy is one of the "weak ones", in contrast to Curly, a representative of the strong in the novel who will coming soon and give a feeling to audience directly and vividly that the weak's condition is not very easy. = = = = =**Extract Study Section 2 (b)**=

==Q:4 Candy refers to Crooks, the black 'Stable buck' a number of times in the extract. Although he also calls him a 'Pretty nice fellow.' How do his later comments reveal the treatment of blacks at that time?==

Ted Zhou's answers Block:C,H

In the extract, the old man, Candy, introduces us to a black man named Crooks who is working on the ranch. Candy refers to him, the black 'Stable buck' a number of times. Although Candy also calls him a 'Pretty nice fellow', his later comments about him give the audiences a great impression of how blacks were treated harshly at that period of time. First of all, Candy says: "Got the crooked back where a horse kicked him. The boss gives him hell when he's mad."(Pg.20) We learn that Crooks does not have a pleasant circumstance. The boss does not respect him as a worker as we do in present-day society. The boss is taking his spite out on him. Furthermore, the audiences are told that Crooks even doesn't "give a damn about that"(Pg.20) which significantly emphasizes that Crooks has a terrible status. Also, Candy narrates a story to Geogre that the men at the ranch asked Crooks to come to the party at Christmas night. The men including the boss were not aiming to have fun with Crooks, but make fun of him and let Smitty "took after"(Pg.20) him. However, after Crooks won, Smitty said he would kill the nigger if he could use his feet. That clearly indicates the strict ranks in the ranch at that time. The blacks were always at the lowest level at that time, around 1930s when the book __Of Mice and Men__ was published. Although, Crooks is able to read and has read a lot, even "[Gets] books in his room"(Pg.20), he could not change his status. Overall, Crooks in the story is a typical character that represents all of the blacks or niggers who are treated harshly. This did not only happen on Crooks on the ranch in that area at that specific time, but is a common phenomenon of all blacks or niggers at the period of time all cross the world.

= = Extract Study Section 2 : (b)

Q:3 List two ways in which Steinbeck implies that Candy has been at the ranch for a longer time than most of the men who have worked there.

Adrien's answer: The ways Steinbeck used to imply that Candy had worked there for a time longer than anyone else are pretty opaque.I read for 5 times than I managed to discover that.The first one, as far as I'm concerned, is that when George asked him why the blacksmith left the barn, Candy seemed lost in thought."Why...he...just quit, th- e way a guy will." These words implied that Candy tried to recall the reason, but as so many years had passed, he had sort of "lost" some memories. The second one is more obvious: when he told George and Lennie some anecdotes about the boss, "he paused in relish of the memory".“Relish of the memory” is the clue which indicates that Candy really had been working on the barn for a long time ; therefore Candy seemed pretty delighted about teeling those stories involved with the happy times he once owned and enjoyed in the past. = = = = = = = = =Section 2 (C) 1. Although Lennie says very little during this episode, Steinback makes references to his behaviour. Comment on this, explaining how it might foreshadow future events in the novel.=

Bob. Sim' s answer:

Even though Lennie says very little during the story, his words foreshadowed what would happen. "I don't want no trouble."(29) This quotes show that Lennie might make a trouble because author used this quotes several times to emphasize that Lennie would make a trouble. Furthermore, Lennie says that "I don't like this place, George. This ain't no good place. I wanna get outa here."(32-33) This also foreshadows that Lennie would not be fit in this harsh world. A real world is not proper for him to keep living. Lennie would die to go to the another world which he can tend the rabbits in his own ranch.

Chalmers:

Lennie spoke very little... Lenny may make trouble. Lennie would not be able to fit in.

Tom Zhang's answers:

From the beginning of the book, we have already seen that Lennie is a gigantic but mentally disease man, kind of brawny simple-minded and docile. During the meeting with the ranch owner and the work time as well, Lennie doesn't say much to others, but through the description to Lennie's demeanour and expression, Steinbeck shows Lennie's characteristics clearly and vividly. Lennie's diffidence and mentally disease results in others' misunderstanding, inignation and mockery. What's more, George and Lennie's "American dream" also reflected on his future in the novel, how can the low levels in the society become a landowner in such a short time? The "American dream" is only a dream, it is too romantic to become true. The huge difference between their nice dream and the harsh realities resulted in his craziness later in the novel and caused irreversible aftereffects.

Chalmers:

At this point, the reader already knows that Lennie is a gigantic...brawny, simple-minded and docile mental disease ...others' misunderstanding, indignation and mockery. aftereffects

= = =Extract study:Section 2 (d)=

3.Compare how George and Lennie respond to Curley's wife. Use quotations to show their reactions, and try to explain them in your own words.
0oTimothyo0 answers:

George and Lennie hear what Candy says about Curley's wife. The Curley's wife arrives after Curley burst in. //"George looked away from her and then back: 'He was in here a minute ago, but he went.' " (P-32)// From the tone of George we can infer that George doesn't like Curley's wife at all; he trys to be cold and transfers his attention from her. // "George said brusquely, 'Well he ain't now.' " (P -32) // He keeps his language short, clear, impatient and vigilant. " // George looked around at Lennie. 'Jesus, what a tramp,' he said. ' So that's what Curley picks for a wife.' " (P-33) // He agrees with Candy that Curley's wife is frivolous. He doesn't want to get into troubles.He believes that she is a "rat-trap" that if he gets to her to close he might get snared. However Lennie is not as bright as George, even though Lennie doesn't have a word with Curley's wife directly but he is curious about her. // " 'Gosh, she was purty.' He smiled admiringly." (P-33) // Lennie doesn't have any bad intention but he is very obtuse on this situation. What Lennie believes is everything in this world with a pretty appearance has a beautiful soul like pups,though they're all very delicate, hence, this is also a foreshadowing of the death of Curley's wife at last.

Chalmers:

Curley's wife arrives after Curley burst in. Lennies doesn't have nay bad intention, but he is very obtuse in this situation.

=Extract study:Section 2 (d)=

Q3:Compare how George and Lennie respond to Curley's wife. Use quotations to show their reactions, and try to explain them in your own words.
Paul Kang's Answer:

From George and Candy’s conversation, George knew that Curley’s wife is flirtatious. When George first meets Curley’s wife, he looks away from her and then back”(31) trying not to be tempted by the “tart”. Moreover, from George’s “brusque” and “brittle” tone and his words towards Lennie “Jesus, what a tramp”(32), we can infer that George dislikes and scorns Curley’s wife and sees her as a troublemaker. Thus, George fiercely warns Lennie to “keep away from her”(32). On the contrary, Lennie is totally magnetized by Curley’s wife, as evidenced by the line, “he watched her, fascinated”(31) and then said “defensively” that “she’s purty”(32) when George calls her “tramp”. Even after Curley’s wife goes out, “Lennie still stared at the doorway where she had been”(32) ［and said］ admiringly “gosh, she was purty”(32). Because of Lennie’s unsophistication and naïveté, he doesn’t care or know whether Curley’s wife is flighty or coquettish, more likely, Lennie just would like to chase something beautiful and exquisite. Therefore, he feels that Curley’s wife is “purty” rather than a “tart”.

=Extract Study Section 2 (e)=

Q1: Steinbeck calls Slim the 'prince of the ranch'. Find three physical descriptions of Slim that back this up
Matthew Ahn answers.

Of the extract of my section, the beginnig was description of Slim. Slim is depicted as a 'prince of ranch'. "There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke". This quote shows that Slim is as attractive as a prince when he talks. "His hatchet face was ageless." One of common image of princes is beauty. "He might have been thirty five or fifty." His young face "His hands, large and lean, were as delicate in their action as those of a temple dancer." The life in the rance is rough and wild, Unlike the others, Slim has a delicate hand. This may be the decisive clue of "prince of the ranch".

Chalmers:

One of the common images... ranch (sp.) This may be the decisive clue that shows us he is "prince of the...

=Extract Study Section 2 (E)=

Q1 : Steinbeck Calls Slim the 'Prince of the ranch'. Find three physical descriptions of Slim that backs this up.
Paul Kim's answer : There is no dobut that Slim is indeed "Prince of the ranch" as Stienbeck refers to him. . There are three distinct physical explanations that supports this, and one is Slim's //hatchet face//. It not only reveal his triangular, and thus bizzare, face but also the barbarous working condition around him as a rancher. His face has subsequently been degraded after years of labour as a rancher therefore, he deserves the phrase the 'Prince of the ranch'. On further considerations, Slim's //remarkable listening abilities// renders him capable of hearing more than was said to him, even comprehensing upgraded thoughts beyond. His gifted talent was presumably acheived and was enhanced as he has been conserving his farm for a long time rasing cattles, pigs and so on. What is more, his //humungous but slim hands// are also one of this fortes as a rancher. As I mentioned above, Slim's hands are //slim// in a sense of a girl being skinny. His hands are as delicate and nimble in their movement as those of a ninja, even an assassin. Overall, Slim's significant features manifest perfectly as he works as a rancher, which Steinbeck intended to show in 'Of Mice and Men'.

==//**Q4:Many readers find find Slim the least believeable character in the novel. From what you have read so far, would you agree? Why would people say this, and what reason might Steinbeck have for including an idealistic, inspirational character such as this?**//==

Jackwilson's answer: I share the same opinion as many readers, because in the real society, a person who is the lowest class of the society even cannot have a chance to be as successful as Slim does. Many readers find Slim the least believable character in the novel because he is too powerful and too smart to be a rancher. This is Stienbeck's first description of Slim: "he moved with a majesty only achieved by royalty and master craftsman." Can an exploitee move with “majesty”? It has no way. Although others respect him, what we should remember is that he is an exploitee. The society is cruel; there is no way for an exploitee to be like Slim. Slim is such an idealistic and inspirational character but his existence has reasons. Steinbeck not only creates a character, but also creates a hero, a hope, and a goal for all exploitees. People who are lowest class of the society will keep their American dreams, they want to become Slim. This character can be a beacon for all errant sheep. Steinbeck wants to use this character to tell everyone that if they strive for their dreams whatever how fragile the dreams are, they still have chances to achieve their goals.

Chalmers:

I share the same opinion as many readers... This is Stienbeck's first description of Slim: "he moved..." pharos > beacon

**Extract Study Section 3 [a]**
Extract Study Section 3 [a]

Section 3a Question: this conversation is immediately followed by Lennie entering with the pup. Try to think about the way Steinbeck has structured these events, and why he might have done so. Frank:

== =Q5:Slim says very little about the incident Gerogedescribes. How does this, and the way he listens during George'smonologue, confirm his character to us.= Leaon Dong's answer

=
Slim is one of the oldest workers in the farm. Others respect him, in part because he has experienced a lot since he came to the farm. As the new members in the farm, Slim keep his eyes on Georgr and Linnie.When Slim see Linnie doing something extraordinary, he is confused and full of questions. It's a good opportunity for Slim to know the past of Linnie as Geroge talking about the incident. Before George start talking, they discussed about the people around them became mean. So Slim want to know if Linnie is mean or not. During Geroge's description, Slim doesn't say a word. After George talking, Slim just say "Didn'thurt the girl none, huh?" That reflects that Slim is paying full attention in George's description, he doesn't wanna miss anything. He already know the answer that Linnie is neither evil nor mean inside,but he ensures that from George's words again. He is careful and experienced.======

Chalmers:

Others respect him, in part because he has experienced... Slim kept his eyes on George... Use the present tense.

=Extract Study Section 3 [b]=

What is the importance of this incident (Carlson shoots Candy’s dog) in the novel as a whole? (P44-49)
David Sun answers:

The incident somehow shows the bloodiness of the “real world”. It is a kind of foreshadowing of Lennie's death. The old dog in the novel is just like Lennie who is killed by George. This incident tells audience about the background of the period. The weak must follow the wills of the power in that society. The dog had no status in a human’s society, so he could not even ask for his right. Same as Lennie, he was totally innocent to some extent, but he was shot by George without knowing any reasons. Candy was not that pathetic like the dog, at least he had a chance to bring forth his desire to keep the dog. However, he could not choose if his dog could leave in the ranch. Slim was the king with the total power among the labors, like the novel said: “Candy looked helplessly at him, for Slim’s opinions were law.” Whatever Candy or Carlson said, their words did not count for the result. The dog’s fate was controlled by Slim. It was the same thing that Lennie’s fate was controlled by Curley—son of the owner of the ranch. The author used this incident to tell us that the labors did not have any rights at that time. The riches valued labors the same way that they valued animals. On the other hand, the author used this incident to make the readers sympathize the dog, so that readers will unconsciously think about the poor dog and compassionate Lennie when they read about Lennie's death at the end of the book.

foresight>foreshadowing death of Lenie> Lennie's death audiences>audience

= =
 * Section 3b**


 * Question: Finally, try to think of as many as other episodes in the novel that relate or link to this one in some way. Look for things that are said in the passage by other characters that relate to this. **

The death of Candy’s dog exerts an impressive impact on readers about how cruel this world is. It indicates that there is not any extra room for those weakers or who really needs help from the society. Indeed, this strong idea is also reflected in other episodes obviously especially when George kills Lennie in the end of the novel. Despite of Lennie’s his huge strength, he is still mental handicapped, which marks him a weaker undoubtedly. Even the friendship can not save him from punishment at this time, Thus, George, in order not to make Lennie feel much pain from other’s blame and Curly’s punch, has to kill him under no choices. Still, it is quite clear for George that their dream to have a big branch themselves would never achieve in this world and it sounds extremely cruel for Lennie to realize it. George fires in the sake for protecting Lennie’s warm dream, which reveals it is impossible for those “poor” guys to catch dreams. Besides, this idea is also demonstrated when Slim kills four little dogs. He deems that their mother does not have enough milk to feed them, which means these four poor babies were born to die. This episode highlights only those powerful big bossed could enjoy this tough world and even make choices for others’ lives. Actually, natural selection is tremendous unfair and inhumane in this “mercy” society because those weak beings have to die painfully. There is no sympathy, mercy at all but full of blood, which the author does want to argue.
 * Lionel: **

weakers> "weak ones" or those who need help from society ...episodes, especially... Despite Lennie's huge strength...

=**What is the importance of this incident (the death of Candy'dog) in the novel as a whole? (P44-P49)**= = =

SilverD's anwser:
====**Of Mice and Men is an extremely structured story, every details anticipating a plot development that follows. This event around Candy's dog is quite the same as Lennie. The death of that dog shows the tagic ending. Candy loved his dog just like George loved lennie. This dog is shot in the back of the head, just as lennie is killed at the end of this book. All the actions clearly foreshadow  the difficult decision that George makes to shoot lennie use Carlson's gun. Lennie just like that old dog which do not have ability to live by themselves. They both are victims of that stressful society, that is a cruel natural law "the weak will be disposed by strong!" **====

Chalmers:

structured story, every detail anticipating a plot development... quiet> quite the Candy loved his dog just like George loved Lennie

= = =Extract study: Section 3 (c)=

Arthur Guan:
Candy involved in George and Lennie's discussion step by step. At first, Candy heard the discussion from George and Lennie about the house. According to the description, Candy thought the life in there will be nice and he did not believe there is a place like that. He asked George "You know where's a place like that?"(p56).He got the answer yes and he asked about how much is that place. It only took 600 dollars to get that place, he began to have some hope to get to that place because he have 300 dollars. Candy hurt his arm in the farm and he got only one hand and he cannot do more work in the farm. The owner will kicked him out of the farm. He will have no place to live if he left there. He want to be with George and Lennie and he will pay 300 dollar for that house. He told George that he can "cook and tend the chicken and hoe the garden." He is full of hope at that time and he wish that he George will let him get together with them. He expected that and George agree with him. George said he only got 10 dollars, he need to work until this month is finished and he can buy the house in 450 dollars. Candy got a little despondent because he worried he would be kicked out for the farm in before the end of this month. But he still full of expectations. He has involved with George and Lennie. I think the story began to change from this time, the story began to become a tragedy because later, Lennie hurt Curley and killed his wife in accident. This is the last time they discussed the house and full of hopes.

Chalmers:

Candy became involved... ...heard their discussion about the house... the life in there> the life there

=Extract study: Section 3(c) Rid dick= 3.Comment on Lennie's responses within this reponses within this section. You might want to consider the floowing quotations from his speech in particular. Lennie and George were talking about their dreaming ranch and their own lands. In this cruel age people leaved their own homeland for seeking a job. Lennie, a weaker in this society was dreaming about the briliant furture in the darkest of the stroms. Those sentences in the book help to shape a belief in the dreaming of furtures. A piece of wonderland Lennie pursued and wanted to protect was ilustrated. It brings a twinkling of hope in the midst of the tumultuous winds. The freedom and the human rights were limited. The road further is long, and fill with setbacks and challenges, Lennie's dreaming land seems to be unrealistic and reflect to or contrust with the doom of his life.

Chalmers:

their dream ranch land people left...to seek a job

=Extract Study Section 3(d)= ==Read the whole of the extract and consider the behaviour of various characters during this episode. Do you think they behave in or out of character? Write about the following individuals. Using the text to support your ideas:==

Slim
Michael God's Answer, (Don't copy mine, directly from the wiki)

In this extract, among the three involving characters, George, Lennie and Slim, to some extents, George is the only person who is contradictory to his normal behavior. George, as the protagonist in the novel, has a dramatic shift in his attitude towards the relation between Curley and Lennie. He told Lennie not to get in any contact with Curley as possible as he could, whereas in this extract, “Get him, Lennie,” and “I said get him.” comprehensively demonstrate the change of his point of view- Getting in touch with Curley, and beating him. Though he asked Lennie to “Leggo of him” afterwards, the character that he has under the condition of being enraged is still indubitably out of his normal behaviors. As the partner of George, Lennie, however, doesn’t differentiate himself to his initial characteristics. When Curley attempts to fight and actually hits him, Lennie seeks helps from George as he usually does, “Make ‘um let me alone, George”, for instance. In addition, he also obediently follows George’s mandate. When George demands him to get Curley, he stopped Curley without hesitation. As to conclude, Lennie doesn’t experience any significant change in character in this extract. For Slim, it is also apparent that he doesn’t suddenly alter his behavior in this situation. It is widely aware that he is a person that helps friends in peril. This time, it happens the same way. “The dirty little rat, I’ll get ‘um myself.” This line undoubtedly reveals his personality of integrity for which he has since the beginning. On the other hand, he is the one who knows right and wrong. Thus, in this extract, he has a constant conduct as he often has. All in all, within this extract, the only character that alters his behaviors is George, which means that Lennie and George are containing more stable characteristics.

Chalmers: many akward sentences, difficult to fix, see me for more help "abnormal to his original conducts"> ?? the character that he has under the condition of being enraged is still indubitably out of his normal behaviors.> his anger is not typical of his normal behaviour ?

=Extract Study Section 3(d)=

3. George responds ambiguously to Lennie's reaction towards Curly. Find reasons George might have for both supporting and opposing Lennie's behaviour here.
BORIS' answer: The reason that first came into my mind why George "was standing on his feet yelling'' "Get him"(63) is that Curley was beating Lennie so hard with some vague fury, "smash down his nose", "cut off air"(64). And Lennie was giving no protection to himself which may resulted in his blindness or even worse if George did nothing to stop the boisterous wrestle. Secondly, he need a partner during his roam-about, as he said"Lennie is a good fella". One thing I also noticed iwas that when Lim offers to go fight, Lennie stopped him which I thought also connected with the end of the book where it says they went drinking right after Lennie's death. All these evidence has to make me think the possibility that Lim may become Geroge's new boddy. George opposes lennie fighting with Curley because this time they were so closed to their dream land, so he wouldn't like to dispute or quarrel with the boss' son. George as well knew in advance from the experience before that it seemed to be impossible that lennie will be able to observe how big his power is acting on others. In addition, i think the result that Curley almost losses his hand also proves the potential terrifying danger inside Lennie's chidishness.

=Extract Study Section 4(a)= ** Q: 1. Steinbeck uses the description of the harness room to reflect the character of Crooks, the "negro stable-buck". In the form of a table, list eight to ten objects from the two opening paragraphs, and write what you think each one of them says about Crooks. ** Victory Zhang's answer:

1. "... there was square four-paned window,....a narrow plank door leading into the barn." Explanation 1: The feature of the harness room reveals that Crooks lives in a rigid and lifeless room. “four- paned window" and "narrow plank" reflect black men were still living in the Great Depression under racial discrimination.

2. "...there were pegs which hung broken harness in process of being mended." Explanation 2: Steinbeck describes Crooks, the Negro stable buck, lives under terrible conditions and pressure. When he is sleeping, heavy working equipment are filled into crook’s dream.

3. “…in it a range of medicine bottles, both for himself and for the horses” Explanation 3: From this description, the reader realizes that Crook is treated “equally” just like horses, and he has to share medicine with horses. Also he get many injures form his work.

4. “Crooks possessed several pairs of shoes, a pair of rubber boots…” Explanation 4: Crooks seems like an industrious collectors, as he accumulated lots of possessions. In the other hand, he has adapted the life in the farm, so he should take care of himself automatically.

5. “…a mauled copy of the California civil code for 1905. There were battered magazines…” Explanation 5: From “mauled and “battered”, the reader notices that Crooks must read that code and magazines frequently. It also implies that only books can fulfill his life because he is surrounded by full of loneliness.

6. “And scattered about the floor were a number of personal possession” Explanation 6: All Crooks’ possessions are on the floor, shows that he is more permanent than other men.

7. “a big alarm clock” Explanation 7: The clock explains that Crooks fulfills his work regularly and his life is tiresome.

8. “a single barreled shotgun” Explanation 8: Possessing a gun reveals that Crooks has a strong sense of protection for himself. Moreover, Crooks was not welcomed by other people because he is black. This racial discrimination has affected Crooks’ inner world which makes him loathe others.

Chalmers: I > the reader stuffs > things,equipment 8. ...a gun reveals that...

Q4:Crooks's taunting of Lennie seems cruel in this section. Why does he behave in this way? What is significant about the way in which Lennie responds?
Allen Lu's answer:

The reason why Crooks's taunting of Lennie seems cruel was that Crooks compared the friendship between George and Lennie to himself. __Of Mice and Men__ was published in 1938, and the chains of racial segregation and discrimination still controled the negro, who languished languished in the corners of American society,especially in the south. As the only black worker who lived in a ranch of a south province, Crooks was not welcome and no one wanted to become his friends. After Lennie said he trusted George would buy a land and he would pet pups on that land, Crooks was very sad, because he admired the friendship between Lennie and George, then he began to ask Lennie what he should do without George. In Crooks's opinions, he just wanted Lennie to get the feelings without friends, in fact, due to Crooks's descriptions for his chilhood and his brothers,Crooks wanted to pour out his pain in no friend by Lennie’s response. Moreover, through Lennie's responses to the taunting, it is shown that Lennie has no sense about the importance of the friendship. Lennie only said George would not hurt, because he only cared about George, not how the friendship was essential. If Lennie realized the importance of their friendship, he would consider what he should do without living with George, then, gradually ,Lennie would become mature and have his own judgement. Also, Lennie's responses proved that he relied on George very much and had no ability to live alone.

Extract Study Section 4 (b)
Question 2: Re-read Candy's speech to Crooks, beginning, 'Sure they all want it...' How does Steinbeck's use of language in this speech help reflect Candy's mood? Think about; repetition, blunt setence, and the use of names

Kevin Bok's Answer: Candy's speech to Crooks clearly shows Candy's forbidden desire to fianlly have his own land. As the book tells us, Candy has worked in the ranch for a long time and he has been prohibited from possessing even a little bit own his own things by his employer. The quote "I never had none...none of my harvest." (76) reveals that Candy has never had any opportunity to own land and that he becomes resolute to make his dream come true when George introduces him about a fantastic ranch. Readers could feel that Candy will not have further fluctuations in his decision anymore by reminding himself that "But we gonna do it...in the bank." (76) To fully reflect Candy's mood when he delivers a fiery speech, the author uses two main methods. To begin with, brevity in sentences shows how fervent and urgent he is in striving to accomplish his plan. Candy's resentment that he was limited in many ways, as well, is portrayed by the use of conciseness in sentences. In addition, specific names that Candy mentions such as dogs, rabbits, chickens, cow make readers possibly imagine that Candy has been thought about his bright future in a harsh condition of being treated not like a human being. He might have already achieved his dream if he had not been restricted from owning his properties. By seeing what Candy states, readers are able to conjecture Candy as a optimistic person. Through the book, Steinbeck wants to show that blue-collar people in 1930s such as Candy in this book is impossible to be affluent.

=Extract study section 4 (b)=

Q3: What does Curley's wife mean when she says, 'They left all the weak ones here'?
G Ingan Bae answers. Curley’s wife is talking about three men, Candy, Lennie, and Crooks. From her perspective, each one of them is weak. Candy is old, Lennie is mentally ill, Crooks is black. She says ‘They left you behind, all three of you.’ In my opinion, this is a criticism of the real life back then. In the 1930s, black people did not have a status as they do these days. Old people were the burden of the working society, mentally challenged fellows as well. One additional reason she says the three people are weak is that she thinks that the three of them are all scared of each other. Yes, Crooks is scared of white peoplel; Candy, the young; Lennin the healthy. Thus, Gifts are granted to those who are healthy and wealthy in the society are truly and brutally described in her single line. “They left all the weak ones here” = = =Extract Study Section 5 [a]= = = Q1: Reread the description in the first four paragraphs of the chapter. make a list of the different shins of life steinbeck depicts ， and words he uses to describe them. Gavin Wang's Answer: Signs of life: Words to describe them Horses resting, nibbled, rattle Sun sliced Flies buzz Men playing, shouting, encouraging, jeering

Puppy dead, laid
= = =Q2: U se your table to describe the opening atmosphere. Why do you think steinbeck describes things in this way, considering what happens later in the chapter. = Gavin's Answer: On no accout can we ignore the description of signs of life in the novel which emphasize the atmosphere. Through the first four paragraphes, the author attemped to promote a serene sence, we can tell it from steinbeck's description to the signs of life during the lazy aftrnoon. Resting horses nibbled and rattled under the sliced sun, the buzzing flies make it boring but even more calm. Men were taking (par )in the peg game, playing, encouraging, jeering. Obviously, the life in the barn was contented and closed to the one that George and Lennie seeked, it's resting at least. So far, the atmosphere is so good and provide with hopes in the novel. It's seemes like that the story will end by this way, George and Lennie finally got a fit place after all of the hardships. But, the dead puppy immediately appear and symbolize a ominous sign. Even though it is not a good evidence help readers infer the following the plots, a bad sense created, Lennie was in trouble again. " Lennie sat in thehay and looked at a little dead puppyt that lay in the front of him." In my opinion, the author descriped the openning atmosphere in order to promote a contrast with the later part of the chapter. As Lennie killed Curley' wife, the most dramatic and horriable plot happened later, the begining is like the silence before the storm. By this way, author could make a artistic effect which make the conflicts more intense.

Zack Chen's Answer: The opening atmosphere unfolded the view of a lazy, typical afternoon, while creatures were enjoying this tranquil afternoon, human beings’ noise and excitements broke the peace. Considering what happens later in the chapter, I’m comfortable to say that Steinbeck created a antithesis by showing the differences between creatures and human beings, the innocence of creatures and the fidgetiness of human beings’ are contrary to each other. Ironically, unlike other people, Lennie was not playing, exciting or shouting, he was looking at a little dead puppy as quiet as creatures which provided a side look for us to see the innocence of Lennie. Steinbeck depicted this lazy and typical afternoon to betoken something unusual might happen, like this afternoon is just the lull before the storm, he made a foreshadowing for the later plot of this novel, for the death of Lennie.Besides providing a antithesis, Steinbeck also insert hope in this atomosphere for audience, so that they began to think if the novel would end with a happy results which leading to a contradiction with later plot. Chalmers:

Through the first four paragraphs of this extract, the author attempted to depict a serene scene by describing the signs of life during the lazy afetrnoon. seeked > sought. It's resting... the good atmosphere provides hope in the novel

=**Extract study section 5 (b)**=

Q3: what do we find out about curley's wife in this extract? What does Steinbeck want us to feel about her, and why chooese this point in the novel to do this?
Isaac Choi answers. I can find out Curley's wife's personality through her speech and behavior. In this extract, Curley's wife said "You're a kinda nice fella. Jus' like a big baby" to Lennie. What's more, she took Lennie's hand first and put his hand on her head to tempt Lennie. If she didn't perform this alluring action, she would not have been killed by Lennie. Steinbeck wants to teach a lesson that frivolous behavior can cause a big disaster. Along with, the author chooses this point in the novel to let George get rid of his burden; Lennie by giving him a reason of killing of Lennie. Due to this kind of author's set up, the novel can be a perfect tragety.

=Extract Study Section 5 [c]= = = ==**Q3. Explain Candy’s reaction to Curley’s wife once George has left. Do you feel the same way towards her as a reader? You could discuss this with the people sitting side of you and see of they share your view.**== James Qiu's answer: Yes, I do feel the same way towards her as a reader. In Greek Myth, Helen was the beauty that god sent to human’s world, and eventually she led to the collapse of Troy. In Chinese, we also have an old saying “hong yan huo shui” which means temptress is the root of trouble. In the story, Curley’s wife, as a married woman, always hangs around the ranch and tempts those workers. From what she says "Funny thing, if I catch any one man, and he's alone, I get along fine with him. But just let two of the guys get together an' you won't talk" [77], we can see she knows what is she doing, she know it and she do it, thus from this perspective, we can say she killed herself. I do share the same feeling with old Candy, because to have a piece of land is a dream that he expected for entire life, or perhaps it is too fabulous that he even never dare to think about it. Since the George and Lennie came, his dream was almost come true. However the death of this siren, Curley’s wife, does not mean any thing to him but ruin his only dream. Candy must feels sad and angered. Imagine when the dream that expected for my entire life is coming true a woman has nothing to do with me just simply ruin it, what would I feel?

Chalmers:

take out these words " towards that siren" and find another place to use them. someplace less focal. the tone is a little judegemental, when the passage really asks us to be sympathetic to the character.

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Q.2 : Re-read the conversation between George and Candy from 'Gorge watched Candy's lips'. What are their concers, and why do they make a decision to help Lennie get away?

Steve Kim's answer: When George and Candy finds out that Lennie had killed Curly's wife they figured out that it was impossible to hide the scene, and eventually Lennie will be killed by Curly and the others. Eventhough they know that Lennie would never do such a thing on purpose they cannot do anything about it because they knew that no one would believe them, espacially Curly. The reader can draw up that Lennie will not be killed easily when George says, "Thats right, Curly will, and the other guys will." Also the reader can see that George will not let other people hurt Lennie by reading George's comment, "I ain't gonna let 'em hurt Lennie." George's promise of not letting other people hurt Lennie made him to make a decision of helping Lennie get away. My another personal answer that I got from this part is that by letting Lennie escape from this mess and showing that George has nothing to do with this crime will make George and Candy to continue dreaming about their future home.

= = =Extract Study Section 6(a)= =Q1: What do Lennie's "conversations" with Aunt Clara and the rabbit reveal about his state of mind at this point in the novel?=

= =

Justin Liu's answer: Lennie's 'conversations' with Aunt Clara and The rabbit reminds me of a scene of "Tom and Jerry" in which Tom is making a decision between friendship(moral) and self-desire (greedy). And there are both an angel and an devil persuading him to do good or bad. "Aunt Clara" represents the angel in Lennie that he sinserely appreciates George for his help and patience. Meanwhile, the rabbit exemplifies the devil in Lennie that he loves tending pets, especiallly rabbit. However, Lennie justifies the holy status of George in his heart frantically in his conversation with rabbit. This reveals that his state of mind is a little complex but he is still honest and respectful to George. No matter how irresistable things are, Lennie is always the loyal and naive person which also confirms the death of Lennie in the end of the story. = =

Chalmers:

a scene of "Tom and Jerry" in which Tom is making a decision between friendship(moral) and self-desire (greedy).

There are both an angel and a devil persuading him to do good or bad, respectively. the rabbit. The rabbit!

Extract study 6 (b) 3. Why do you think George talks about the farm as he shoots Lennie? How does this conclude the theme of “dreams”?

At beginning, I think George shoots Lennie simply because he could not bear Lennie, a trouble maker, any longer. George has a dream; he doesn’t want to live a poor life like he does at the moment. However, Lennie has become a barrier stopping George from promoting himself. At the end of the story when Lennie finally cause a terrible problem and George notice that his dream cannot become true unless Lennie disappear as he talks about the farm, George has no choice but kills Lennie. After considering all reasons why George shoots Lennie as he talks about the farm, now I harbor another opinion: George shoots Lennie is because he is unwilling to see Lennie suffer pain and distress in real life. As we know, the social environment by then is dark and the reality is cruel, especially for those poor labors. George and Lennie’s dream is beautiful, but not realistic. George is a sane person. I guess he has already realized that this dream cannot come true. His continuously telling about it to Lennie is because he wants to give Lennie hope. Actually, George cares for Lennie. We could easy find this point throughout the story. Though Lennie usually act stupidly and thus entangle both he and George into troubles, George always regard Lennie as his brother and try to take care of him. When Lennie finally cause that big problem, Lennie would obviously suffer cruel punishments from other people in the farm, which is exactly George afraid of. As George talks about their dream farm, he notices that perhaps only heaven (if possible) could provide Lennie with such an ideal place. Reality is like bleak weather, Lennie does not suit for it. Death, under that situation, might be the best choice for Lennie. In my opinion, George shoots Lennie with a both sorrowful and ambivalent mood. He talks about the farm because he wants Lennie be happy and to die in a peaceful and hopeful frame of mind. Steinbeck made a perfectly apt contrast here. Throughout the story, Lennie’s dream seems the only shiny thing in that dark farm, which leads us to imagine a brilliant future. However, Steinbeck finally broke it, emphasizing a cruel reality. George’s shooting not only kills Lennie, but kills all beautiful fantasies as well, implying that there is no good future for labors who were born to be poor; “dreams” of low-class people could merely be dreams at that time. From another point of view, if George shoots Lennie simply because Lennie is a terrible burden, we could say that dream could not only give people hope, but also change people. Anyway, Steinbeck disclosed a real, dark, and cruel social environment by Lennie’s death.

Chalmers:

Write your name. he could not bear Lennie's trouble-making, any longer Lennie causes considering all the reasons George shoots Lennie because he is unwilling to see Lennie suffer pain and distress.

=Extract Study Section 6 [b]=

Q5: The last lines of the novel are famous. Think of as many reasons as you can for why Steinbeck chooses to end the novel in this way, and why the ending might fit in so well.
Vahhab Aboonour's Answer:

The Ending of the book is quite tragic for many readers, and above that very shocking. The part that gets me most frantic, is when the story unfolds to the scene at the poolside. The moment the author begins to elaborate on what George was about to do, while telling the story of how its "i got you an' you got me", is very much oxymoronic at this stage. And when George finally pulls the trigger on him you really do feel that sense of death inside you as "the crash of the shot rolled up the hills and rolled down again". One thing i realized about the last chapter though, like many other Steinbeck books, is that a playful guilt that was being thrown at us towards the end. From the moment the chapter opened up talking about the nature of things to the moment Lennie died there was a lot going on. The snake that got eaten by the bird represented the cycle of life and death and the nature of it, Lennie "barely touching his lips to the water" gave us the impression that he's finally learned to listen, The whole Rabbit and Aunt Clara part of this chapter stood out as being Lennie's way of thinking through by himself. And when George finally appears, the deed was done. it leave's you thinking... "why?" but thats when the finishing line comes in. The boredom and depression of that time, like many reasons why everything was left the way it was, is because everyone knew that you work to live and that when you die, its all over, nothing ells matters much before hand. When Carlson said "Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin' them two guys?" i think is that bond Lennie and George had with each other that he was questioning... the fact that George was feeling in such deep remorse for killing Lennie with his own hands, left the rest puzzled and felt the solution was to drink on it, when really what they didnt understand was the love George had for Lennie. The same way Slim's dog was killed and how he felt, was the same situation George's was facing. The book ties it all up pretty good i think. Reading through it a couple of times, really hooks you on to the details Steinbeck tries to illustrate for us.

A-Tion Li's answer:
“Curley and Carlson looked after them. And Carlson said, ‘Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin’ them two guys?’” (pg 107) is the last line and the ending. The “two guys” refers to George and slim; they “will go in an’ get a drink” (pg 107) after George shot his intimate brother, Lennie. The last line is not a description of spectacular sceneries, meanwhile, it is not a mood displaying exuberance when conflicts resolved. The ending keeps the same tone and style as before, serene, peaceful, flat, and has a sense of humor, but leaves aroma behind. The last line is spoken by Carlson in which fits in his characteristic. He doesn’t comprehend companionship in terms of his killing the dog of Candy. So does Curley. His relationship with his wife is barely husband and wife, but not the love. He can’t understand why George has such strong feelings towards Lennie who contributes nothing to the society or merely Curley. The last line fits the topic “of mice and men” since Lennie is the little weak mouse while the world is the man. Undoubtedly, the man does not welcome the mouse; the world does not welcome Lennie. Nevertheless, Lennie exerts a huge impact on George, and even Slim just like when the mouse was found dead, Lennie was in such depression. "What will George do?" I keep asking myself since Steinbeck just finished the novel without the final epilogue. Maybe George will continue to work on farm for the lord or commit suicide in order to accompany Lennie to chase their "Dream Farm" or earn enough money that he is able to own his private farm. Regard the beginning of story, the writer depicts a fragrant beautiful "wonderland" which namely is George and Lennie's "Dream Farm". Therefore, it is evident to see that Steinbeck utilized a lot of foreshadowing in his writing. Another instance would be George told Lennie to hide in the bush and wait for George when Lennie made troubles. And in the end Lennie indeed did so. There is still something indistinct flashing upon my mind which, however, does not form an intact image. Thus, it is a type of linger charm that beyond words.

Chalmers:

shot his intimate brother, > shot his good friend

Sceneries > scenery

meanwhile > nor is it a mood of exuberance as when conflicts are usually resolved Maybe that's because I always see happy-ending films.

The ending keeps the same tone and style as before: serene, peaceful, flat. The ending has a sense of humor, but leaves an aroma behind.

Does the ending really have a sense of humor? I still consider the ending has a sense of humor 'cause when I first read the last line, I thought Carlson was utilizing satire which is a criticism with humor.