Chapter 6

In the conclusion of the novel, both Lennie and George are faced with difficult realizations.  The images Lennie sees and the decision George makes allows the reader a chance to glimpse the thoughts of each man.

Explain what the reader learns about Lennie and George in Chapter 6.  Support your discussion with a strong connection to the world in which the men live.

Chapter 5

Chapter 5

Annotation focus:

                Examples of characters’ inability to interact and form meaningful connections

The death of Curley’s wife is the climax of the novella.  Because of this event, the reader sees how the dream of a ranch owned by the men could never come true.  Who is truly at fault for Curley’s wife’s death?  Explain if this person is also responsible for the death of the dream.

Explain how Lennie’s dream and Curley’s wife’s dream are similar.  How does the tone of the last conversation between these two characters support the novel’s theme?

Chapter 4

Chapter 4

Annotation focus:

                Theme of the attempt to achieve the American Dream

                Steinbeck’s use of “hope”

This chapter focuses on characters we have previously identified as “weak” trying to assert power. 

·         How does one weak character attempt to have power/ control?  How does this incident illustrate the predatory nature of human beings?

·         Explain how the dream of the ranch becomes more significant as the reader understands the characters’ lack of power and increased loneliness.  

Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Annotation Focus: Developing theme of loneliness

Steinbeck uses several examples of silence to illustrate the loneliness of the ranch and the characters.  Reread page 48 – 49 to see at least one example of silence in this chapter.  Explain how “silence” is being used to allow the reader to understand loneliness.

Identify a character that is either literally or metaphorically being silenced.  Explain how this silencing occurs and the affects it has on the character.