1. Of Mice and Men Writing

2. Chapter 1 Writing - Relationship In “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck he shows a strong friendship between George and Lennie. George has known Lennie for a long time. He talks about Lennie’s Aunt Clara when he warns him that she, “wouldn’t like you [him] running off by yourself [himself]…” George not only has known Lennie for an extended period of time, he has also been loyal to him through hardships. When Lennie is banished from Weed George leaves as well even though he was not involved in Lennie’s mistake. George and Lennie’s relationship is one that all could envy.

3. Chapter 1 Writing – Relationships (4) In “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck he shows a sibling relationship between George and Lennie. George shows that he is the older brother by continually helping him escape trouble. He helps Lennie run from Weed after he is accused of harassing a young woman on the farm where they work. When Lennie childishly goes to retrieve the mouse that George took away from him, George explains, “I ain’t taken it away jus’ for meanness.” He is trying to protect Lennie from dangerous bacteria that the dead mouse may carry. George watches over Lennie like an older brother watched over his younger brother with care.

4. Chapter 2 Writing – Bunkhouse Steinbeck portrays the ranch and bunkhouse as a place of camaraderie. He describes the bunkhouse as a “long rectangular building” with “eight bunks.” There are various personal items of the men that are above each bunk. This makes the reader visualize a boarding school or a summer camp. In the bunkhouse the men become acquainted and live in close quarters. They develop closer relationships in this setting than if they lived individually. Among these men are Slim, Candy, and Carlson. These characters welcome George and Lennie to the ranch. The feeling of camaraderie is furthered through the introduction of Candy, Slim, and Carlson. Candy is the ranches’ maintenance man. He is the first to introduce himself to George and Lennie. He immediately gossips about Curley telling them about his “glove fulla vaseline.” Then, George and Lennie meet Slim. Slim is described as having a “gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke.” He obviously is a person that seems to deserve respect and he treats George and Lennie as equals from the moment he meets them. Lastly, the men meet Carlson. He is described as a “powerful” man and he knows everyone on the ranch. He also immediately befriends the new workers.

5. Chapter 2 Writing – Bunkhouse (4) The bunkhouse in Steinbeck’s “Of Mice and Men” is a place of camaraderie. It is a “long rectangular building” that has “eight bunks” where the men sleep. This makes the reader think of summer camp. When one attends camp he or she becomes close to the people who are assigned to his or her cabin. This is similar to the friendships that will be formed in the bunkhouse on the ranch. Not only does the physical set up of the bunkhouse lead to forming bonds, but the characters themselves are open and friendly. George and Lennie meet Candy and Slim when they first arrive at the ranch. Both Candy and Slim feel an immediate connection with George and Lennie. They are all employees at the farm and have much in common. When they meet Candy he tells them about the ranch gossip. He even confides that the boss, “Brang a gallon of whisky” in to the bunkhouse for Christmas. He is trying to say that the boss is generous and that they can look forward to working for him. When George and Lennie meet Slim, he says to them that he “hopes you [they] get on my [his] team.” He does not know them well, but he already feels like he can depend on them. Both the setting and the characters provide an atmosphere of friendship. The reader can expect these bonds to grow.