Symbols of Of Mice & Men What do they mean?
Rabbits Lennie mentions them frequently. What does he link them with? He thinks of them as his ideal world, his dream. They’re peaceful Could represent the American dream, the end of struggle in Lennie & George’s life
Candy’s Dog Linked with age, weakness, and filth Could represent the weak being killed by the strong, the harshness of the time period Foreshadows Lennie’s death
Curley’s Wife Linked with sexuality and promiscuity Why does she not have a name? Symbolic of all women during the time period
Take out your prejudice worksheet
Candy Why is he judged? Examples of Discrimination He is old and missing a hand Examples of Discrimination Carlson bosses Candy around Curley’s wife calls him a “lousy ol’ sheep”
Crooks Why is he judged? Examples of Discrimination He is black and has a crooked back Examples of Discrimination Constantly referred to using racial slurs The boss “gives him hell” when he is mad Crooks says nobody sees him because he is black
Curley Why is he judged? Examples of Discrimination He is constantly angry and acts obnoxious Examples of Discrimination In Section 3, the stable hands gang up on him and make fun of him People talk about him behind his back
Curley’s Wife Why is she judged? Examples of Discrimination She is female and she flirts with the workers Examples of Discrimination George calls her a tramp, a rat trap, jail bait, and other foul names Candy accuses her of causing trouble and calls her a floozy