Of Mice and Men Ch. 2 Study Guide
Candy loves his dog. Candy had his dog since it was a pup, and he didn't want to kill it, even though it was old and probably in pain.
Describe Candy's connection to his dog.
George thinks that she is trouble, but Lennie thinks she is stunning. George describes her as a "rat-trap" and he tells Lennie to never fall in one of them.
How do George and Lennie react to seeing Curley's wife for the first time?
The boss is suspicious when George talks for Lennie. He thinks George is taking advantage of Lennie, maybe even stealing his wages.
How does the boss react to Lennie's silence?
He treats them like farm workers. He is skeptical and suspicious about what George tells him.
How does the boss treat George and Lennie?
Just like Lennie is dependent on George, Candy's dog depends on Candy. Candy tries to protect his dog from Carlson who wants to shoot the dog and George protects Lennie from many things such as social conflicts.
How is Candy's relationship with his dog reflective of George's relationship with Lennie?
He tries hard to look tough around the men. He wants to look like a guy not to mess with . He feels worthless and he tries to prove to himself and others that he is strong and "manly".
Steinbeck describes Curley's glance as "at once calculating and pugnacious," and he strides with " his elbows...still bent out a little." How does this description reveal Curley's personality?
His fear is that Lennie will do something to mess up their job.
What is George's fear at this point in the novel?
The migrant workers keep to themselves. They didn't want to get in trouble with their boss.
When George confronts Candy about eavesdropping, Candy says, " A guy on a ranch don't ever listen nor he don't ask no questions." What does this reveal about the lives of the migrant workers?
George wishes Lennie wasn't metally challenged. He feels like it would be easier and better off that way.
When Lennie questions George about telling the boss Lennie was kicked in the head by a horse, George says, " Be a dam good thing if you was... Save ever'body a hell of a lot of trouble." What does this mean?
They travel together, George takes care of Lennie, but the boss really thinks that George is taking advantage of Lennie.
Why does the boss find George and Lennie's relationship unusual?