1. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck Chapter one. Lennie is a simple minded, soft hearted and childlike giant of a man who acts before he thinks and cannot remember simple everyday things or deal with the challenges of everyday life very well. Lennie is compared to animals on many occasions (bear,horse,terrier) which emphasises his limited intelligence, his strength and loyalty as well as the way he often acts without thinking about what will happen next. He looks up to George and wants to please George. He imitates(copies) George on a number of occasions and sees him as a model of proper and correct behaviour. George looks after Lennie, he plans and organises Lennie’s life and guides and instructs him on how to behave. Lennie likes animals and also likes to pet soft things. He is very strong but hates violence. He does not know his own strength however and when he is scared he clings onto things and won`t let go. This can make Lennie dangerous and he has killed animals and scared people in the past. Lennie keeps getting into trouble in different places by accident, he doesn’t understand people or the world very well and often makes mistakes. This means that he and George keep losing jobs and they have to keep on the move. List some of the things that Lennie forgets at times in chapter 1. When Lennie is compared to a bear and later a terrier what does each comparison suggest about Lennie. How do we know that Lennie admires George? Give some examples of how Lennie tries to please George. Why does Lennie like animals? Lennie is soft hearted and harmless in the way that he would never intentionally hurt anybody but he is dangerous nonetheless. In what ways is Lennie a danger to others? What happened in Weed? George is the opposite of Lennie in many ways. Whereas Lennie is slow moving, awkward and dull minded ; George is quick-witted, restless and very precise. Whereas Lennie acts without thinking and can be rash and impetuous, George is Cautious and careful and always plans ahead and thinks about the future consequences of his own and Lennie’s actions. He has promised Lennie’s deceased Aunt Clara that he would look after and mind Lennie and try to protect him from the world and himself. George has to correct and direct Lennie’s behaviour almost like a father would care for his child. He calls him “boy” on a number of occasions when he praises Lennie and says “good boy.” He sets down rules for Lennie and offers to reward him for good behaviour as well as threatening Lennie with punishment if he fails to do as he is told. He sometimes gets frustrated and angry with Lennie for making his life harder and when he is angry he says that he would have a better life without him. He does care for Lennie though and when he sees that Lennie is terrified and hurt he feels guilty and ashamed for getting so angry and speaking so harshly. In what ways is George the opposite of Lennie? Who did George promise that he would look after Lennie? Explain how George acts as Lennie’s mentor(keeper) giving five examples of times when George instructs, guides, advises or corrects Lennie. What type of relationship does the interactions between George and Lennie remind you of and why? Look at the quotes below and explain why George gets frustrated and angry with Lennie sometimes. “Now you listen and this time you got to remember so we don’t get in no trouble.” “Well you aint petting no mice while you walk with me” “but you aint gonna say a word. You jus’ stand there and don’t say nothing.If he finds out what a crazy bastard you are, we won`t get no job” “God a’mighty, if I was alone I could live so easy. I could get a job an’ work an’ no trouble.” “You can’t keep a job and you lose me ever’ job I get....you do bad things and I got to get you out.... you keep me in hot water all the time... when I think of the swell time I could have without you... I never get no peace “ Hints : If George is to look after Lennie they must keep moving from farm to farm as the longer they stay in one place, the more likely it is that Lennie’s social difficulties (problems dealing with people and day to day life) will get him into trouble. Read page 15 and explain how George and Lennie are different to the other ranch workers. Describe the dream that George and Lennie share that gives them hope for the future. Why does George not leave Lennie, what does he get from the friendship that makes it important to him ? 8 lost -empty ; lonely ; companionship ; physical protection ; loyal and true friend ; sense of purpose and responsibility ; self esteem ; meaning ; Gains ; gets : boosts ; adds George and Lennie’s friendship and relationship.