1. Chapter 1 Discussion Questions & Imagery Charts
Of Mice and Men
Chapter 1
Discussion Questions & Imagery Charts

2. Discuss the following ….
Compare and contrast the two men  who come into the clearing by the river. Why do you think Steinbeck introduces the men by describing their physical features, highlighting the fact that one is small and one is huge? What can the reader infer about the two men based on their descriptions?
Steinbeck uses animal imagery to describe Lennie, the larger man. Cite two examples of this type of image that is used in the first few pages.
When Lennie and George sit down by the river to rest, what do they talk about? What can we learn about Lennie from their conversation? What can we learn about George?
Describe George’s plan for getting the job at the ranch. What else do we learn about Lennie at this point?
What does Lennie have in his pocket? Why does he want to keep it?

3. Discussion continued …
How does Lennie’s desire for a touching sensation get him into trouble in Weed?
Even though Lennie’s mentality keeps him from fully understanding the world around him, he is very sensitive to George’s feelings. Describe an incident that shows Lennie’s compassion for George.
After George erupts in anger about the responsibility of taking care of Lennie, Lennie offers to run away and leave George alone? Why do you think George does not take Lennie up on his offer?
Why does Lennie like George to tell the story of the ranch, even though he already knows it by heart? Why does George agree to tell the story even though he has just gotten angry with Lennie a few minutes before?
Why does George tell Lennie to remember the spot where they are camping? What might this conversation foreshadow?

4. Homework:
There are five recurring images in Chapter 1: trees / leaves, sun / light, water, animals, sound.
Make a chart for each recurring image (you will have a total of five mini charts).
Each chart should have 6 rows and 2 columns.
Above each chart, write the recurring image (trees / leaves, for example).
In the first row of each chart - in the left column, Write pg # / paragraph #.
You will write the page number and the paragraph number from the chapter where this image is present.
In the first row of each chart - in the right column, write quote.
You will write the actual quote that the image appears in on that corresponding page.
When your charts are finished, write one paragraph analyzing the effect of the imagery overall in chapter one. Do not write a separate paragraph for each image; instead, write about all of the images working together. In addition, do not give me a summary of the plot.