Themes and Symbols in Of Mice and Men

In the final chapter of 'Of Mice and Men', the setting is a peaceful pool by the Salinas River. Lenny arrives, reflecting on his troubles and imagining conversations with Aunt Clara and a giant rabbit, both criticizing him. George arrives, offering reassurance and companionship. Ultimately, George makes a heart-wrenching decision to end Lenny's life to spare him from a worse fate, highlighting themes of friendship, responsibility, and sacrifice.

What time of day is described at the beginning of the scene?

• Morning

• Noon

• Late afternoon

• Night

What happens to the water snake in the story?

• It is caught by Lenny

• It swims away unharmed

• It is caught by a heron

• It escapes into the reeds

What does Lenny fear when he arrives at the pool?

• The water snake

• The heron

• George's anger

• Being alone

Who does Lenny imagine scolding him?

• His mother

• Aunt Clara

• George

• A giant rabbit

What does the giant rabbit symbolize in Lenny's imagination?

• His dreams

• His fears

• His happiness

• His intelligence

How does George reassure Lenny when he finds him?

• By ignoring him

• By scolding him

• By saying he won't leave him

• By promising to leave him

What do George and Lenny dream of owning?

• A piece of land

• A car

• A house

• A business

What difficult decision does George make at the end?

• To leave Lenny

• To turn Lenny in

• To end Lenny's life

• To run away with Lenny

Who offers George comfort after his decision?

• Carlson

• Lenny

• Curly

• Slim