WorksheetsChapter 1, OF MICE AND MEN
Total questions: 15
Worksheet time: 20mins
Read the following passage from Chapter 1:
"There is a path through the willows and among the sycamores, a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water. In
front of the low horizontal limb of a giant sycamore there is an ash pile made by many fires; the limb is worn smooth by men who have sat on it (3)."
What is the most likely purpose of the imagery and details the author provided?
Establishing setting during an historical period when many men were homeless and struggling, like Lennie and George
Establishing a setting where men visited and spent the night like Lennie and George
Establishing a peaceful tone to open the narrative.
Establishing a conflict of person vs. nature for men living outdoors like Lenny and George
Read the following passage from Chapter 1:
"There is a path through the willows and among the sycamores, a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool, and beaten hard by tramps who come wearily down from the highway in the evening to jungle-up near water. In front of the low horizontal limb of a giant sycamore there is an ash pile made by many fires; the limb is worn smooth by men who have sat on it (3)."
Choose two examples of textual evidence that reveal significant information about the historical context of the novel.
the limb is worn smooth by men who have sat on it
In front of the low horizontal limb of a giant sycamore there is an ash pile made by many fires
a path beaten hard by boys coming down from the ranches to swim in the deep pool
There is a path through the willows and among the sycamores
What is the MOST significant effect of the novel's objective third person point of view narration?
It allows the reader a closer look into the thoughts and feelings of both characters.
It allows the reader to understand that George and Lennie are equally important in the story.
It allows the reader understand the impact of the historical context on the conflicts of the novel.
It allows the reader to feel sympathy for the main characters.
Read the following passage from the chapter:
"They had walked in single file down the path, and even in the open one stayed behind the other. Both were dressed in denim trousers and in denim coats with brass buttons. Both wore black, shapeless hats and both carried tight blanket rolls slung over their shoulders. The first man was small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features. Every part of him was defined: small, strong hands, slender arms, a thin and bony nose. Behind him walked his opposite, a huge man, shapeless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders; and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws. His arms did not swing at his sides, but hung loosely. (4)"
Which of the following statements BEST describes the author's characterization of George and Lennie?
Lennie is direct compared to a bear, while the author implies a comparison between George and a fox.
George and Lennie are given contrasting physical features which are meant to represent their contrasting personalities and mental abilities.
George and Lennie are both described as homeless men looking for work.
George is described as quick moving and restless while Lennie is described as heavy and slow.
Based on the interaction between George and Lennie, what can the reader infer about their relationship?
George and Lennie share an equal partnership.
George and Lennie are new friends who just decided to partner up when they met on the road.
Lennie uses his superior size and strength to protect and defend George.
George takes care of Lennie who is unable to care for himself.
Based on the information in Chapter 1, which conclusion can be drawn about why George and Lennie are looking for a new job?
They want to earn higher pay.
Their job their ended, so they had to move on.
They were run out of town by their former employer.
They left in order to avoid trouble.
Choose three examples of textual evidence that enable the reader to understand that Lennie is dependent upon George and unable to function on his own.
Lennie went behind the tree and brought out a litter of dried leaves and twigs. He threw them in a heap on the oldash pile and went back for more and more.
"Lennie!" he said sharply. "Lennie, for God’ sakes don’t drink so much." Lennie continued to snort into the pool. The small man leaned over and shook him by the shoulder. "Lennie. You gonna be sick like you was last night."
George went on furiously. "I got you! You can’t keep a job and you lose me ever’ job I get. Jus’ keep me shovin’ all over the country all the time. An’ that ain’t the,' worst. You get in trouble. You do bad things and I gotta get you out."
"Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place."
"But you ain’t gonna get in no trouble, because if you do, I won’t let you tend the rabbits." He threw his empty bean can off into the brush.
A motif is a recurring element in a literary work, meaning the idea or image occurs again and again. When related images repeat to enhance or bring attention to an idea, you know you've identified the story's motif.
John Steinbeck creates a ____________ motif when he describes Lennie and his desires.
animal
water
isolation
conflict
What do rabbits represent for George and Lennie?
Their plan to raise and sell animals for pelts and meat.
Their own weakness and vulnerability.
Their dreams for the future.
The years they spent living with Aunt Clara.
What does the dead mouse reveal to us about Lennie's character?
Lennie is like a child who doesn't understand his own strength or the concept of death.
Lennie wants to help all animals and believed that he could heal the mouse.
Lennie is a prankster and was saving the dead mouse to frighten George later.
Lennie is fascinated by dead things and impervious to social norms.
Why does George repeatedly tell Lennie not to talk when they reach the ranch where they are seeking employment?
George is afraid the Lennie will tell someone that they got into trouble in Weeds.
George wants to do all the talking because he thinks he can negotiate a better deal than Lennie.
George plans to cheat Lennie out of some of his pay so he wants to limit Lennie's contact with the ranch owner.
George doesn't want anyone to know that Lennie, who appears strong and able, is profoundly intellectually disabled.
What literary device do the following features of the novel represent?
- Lennie's habit of killing small living things
- Lennie's grabbing the woman's dress and refusing to let go
- George telling Lennie to commit the spot by the river to memory so he could return there if there is trouble
ambiguity
irony
paradox
foreshadowing
According George, what would his life be like without Lennie in it?
He could move back to Aunt Clara's and manage her farm.
He could do whatever he wants - stay in hotels, eat anything he wants, shoot pool, play cards.
His life would be empty and without purpose.
He could do whatever he wants - find a nice girl, get married, have children.
What does the word drawn mean as used in the following passage?
“Lennie knelt and looked over the fire at the angry George. And Lennie’s face was drawn with terror” (12).
tense
colorful
represented in an abstract way
satisfied
Review these lines from the novel:
"There’s enough beans for four men," George said.
Lennie watched him from over the fire. He said patiently, "I like ’em with ketchup."
"Well, we ain’t got any," George exploded. "Whatever we ain’t got, that’s what you want...."
What does George's response to Lennie's repeated comment about ketchup reveal about George?
George is tired of Lennie's expectation that he can make things like ketchup magically appear.
George is upset because he forget to pack the ketchup, which he knows Lennie loves.
George is upset because he and Lennie don't have any ketchup.
George is frustrated and burdened by Lennie and the responsibility for caring for him.
