Of Mice and Men Chapter 1 notes
Setting Salinas River, Gabilan Mountains, South of Soledad California Woods – peaceful (mood) Beaten path, ash pile, worn branch (evidence of others having been there before) Great Depression – 1930’s
Characters George – small smart quick strong features
Characters Lennie Big “slow” Shapeless Sloping Walked heavily, dragged feet Snorted water Doesn’t remember Likes to pet soft things Childlike (imitates)
Animal Imagery (Creates the image of an animal) Lennie Bear like paws Snorting water (horse)
Foreshadowing Came from a place called Weed Lennie did something bad Girl’s dress/soft like a mouse Had to leave Hide in the brush
Irony Lennie is bigger than George, but afraid Like a child Lennie is a big guy, likes small, soft things (rabbits, mice)
George and Lennie Migrant workers They are different – they have each other They have a dream
The dream Future Land, house Cow, pigs, rabbits Live of the fat of the land
Symbiotic Relationship (mutually beneficial) Lennie GETS from the relationship: Companionship; family Watches; cares Protects, gets out of trouble Food, shelter Teaches, guides Parent Dream of rabbits
Symbiotic Relationship (mutually beneficial) George GETS from relationship: Companionship; family Retells dream - makes it real Sense of responsibility and purpose Living up to promise with Aunt Clara Superior