Exploring Characters and Themes in Steinbeck

What motivates George to take care of Lennie throughout their journey?

• He feels a sense of duty because of a promise to Lennie's aunt.

• He wants to exploit Lennie's strength for personal gain.

• He is afraid of being alone.

• He believes Lennie will eventually repay him.

How does the setting of the Salinas River contribute to the mood at the beginning of the novel?

• It creates a sense of chaos and disorder.

• It establishes a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere.

• It highlights the industrial nature of the area.

• It suggests a sense of foreboding and danger.

Summarize the key event that occurs when George and Lennie first arrive at the ranch.

• They immediately start working in the fields.

• They meet Curley and have a confrontation.

• They are introduced to the other workers and shown their living quarters.

• They are given a tour of the ranch by the boss.

What theme is introduced through George and Lennie's dream of owning a piece of land?

• The inevitability of fate.

• The corrupting power of money.

• The American Dream and its attainability.

• The importance of friendship and loyalty.

Why does Lennie have a fascination with petting soft things?

• It reminds him of his childhood.

• It provides him comfort and a sense of security.

• He wants to prove his strength.

• He is trying to impress George.

Analyze how the bunkhouse setting impacts the relationships between the characters.

• It fosters a sense of community and cooperation.

• It creates tension and competition among the workers.

• It isolates the characters from one another.

• It encourages open communication and trust.

What is the significance of the dead mouse Lennie carries in his pocket?

• It symbolizes Lennie's inability to control his strength.

• It represents Lennie's fear of death.

• It is a token of his friendship with George.

• It signifies Lennie's love for animals.

Explain how the theme of loneliness is introduced in the first two chapters.

• Through the isolation of the ranch setting.

• Through the interactions between George and Lennie.

• Through the description of the other workers.

• Through the absence of women in the story.

What motivates Curley to act aggressively towards the other men on the ranch?

• He wants to assert his authority as the boss's son.

• He is insecure about his small stature.

• He is trying to impress his wife.

• He enjoys causing trouble.

How does the description of the ranch setting contribute to the overall theme of the novel?

• It highlights the harshness and difficulty of the workers' lives.

• It emphasizes the beauty and tranquility of nature.

• It underscores the wealth and prosperity of the ranch owner.

• It suggests the possibility of achieving the American Dream.