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STUDYWORLD STUDYNOTES

Of Mice and Men

Slim's dog just had puppies and George asked if Lennie could have one. Slim said yes. After dinner Slim and George went back to the bunkhouse and sat down to play a game of cards while the men outside played horseshoes. George told Slim about the incident in Weed. Lennie had met a girl that was wearing a pretty red dress. He also had a problem where he has to touch things that he likes, so he innocently grabbed the dress. The girl started screaming because she got scared. This frightened Lennie and he held on tighter because he did not know what to do. The girl accused Lennie of rape and the two men had to hide until nightfall and then leave town.

Lennie entered the bunkhouse hiding his new puppy underneath his coat and George promptly sent him to put it back. Candy and his old dog joined George and Slim and soon Carlson entered, too. Carlson tried to convince Candy to shoot his dog because it was so old and in constant pain. Candy finally gave in after several minutes of debate but had Carlson shoot and bury the dog. He regretted not shooting his own dog later on. Crooks poked his head through the bunkhouse door telling Slim that his mule's hoof was ready to be tarred and Slim left. Several minutes later Curley came into the bunkhouse looking for his wife. He was told that no one had seen her around and was about to leave but he noticed that Slim was not there, either. He asked where Slim was and took off after him to the stables, thinking that Slim was with his wife. Whit and Carlson who had returned from shooting the dog followed Curley out, hoping for a fight. George and Lennie forgot that Candy was still there and started discussing their plans for the future. Candy wanted to join them at their farm but George was cautious at first. When Candy said that he could put in $350 towards buying the farm, their dreams seemed possible. After the discussion, Slim and Curley walked in arguing. Slim is tired of being accused of spending time with Curley's wife. Curley, already in a bad mood, saw Lennie smiling and laughing to himself still daydreaming about his rabbit-filled farm, and punches Lennie in the face. Lennie was terrified and tried to block the punches, but Curley hits him in the nose and stomach. George ordered Lennie to fight back. Lennie grabbed a flying fist and held tight, too scared to let go, crushing every bone in Curley's hand. George had to slap Lennie numerous times in order to get him to let go of Curley's broken hand. Slim got one of the men to get a buggy ready to take Curley to a doctor, George tried to convince Lennie that it was not his fault.


Review:

George confides in Slim his relationship with Lennie. He admits that Lennie isn't bright, but obviously a nice person. Lennie not only provides companionship, but makes George feel smart.

Carlson enters and continues to pressure Candy to allow him to kill his dog. Candy gives in when Slim joins in the argument. This thought of "mercy killing" foreshadows the ending of the story.

Later, Slim overhears George and Lennie talking about their dream and asks to be part of it, offering to advance half of the money they need. Finally, the dreams appears within reach.

Curley enters and begins to taunt and hit Lennie. Lennie, in turn, refuses to fight back until George tells him to. Lennie grabs Curley's hand and begins to flip him about, until he crushes Curley's hand by accident. Lennie is totally unaware of his own physical strength.