1. Anger and Violence In today’s lesson we shall revise

2. Steinbeck presents.... Different angry characters in Of Mice and Men. There are lots of incidents of violence. It exists both in the natural world and the environment of the ranch. ANGER AND VIOLENCE IS AN EXPRESSION OF AMERICAN SOCIETY People were poor and uneducated. Equality did not exist for blacks, women or the weak. Society was unjust, racist and misogynistic. Link contextual detail to CHARACTERS People were fearful and this manifested itself as anger and violence.

3. Section 1 The bus driver’s treatment (Page 21) of George and Lennie is indicative of society. He fails to help and support them and this angers George. Look at his use of expletives. He also mimics the bus driver’s words. This shows his anger and contempt. Prepares the reader for the difficult life the men live. Also places a strain upon his friendship with Lennie. It is difficult for men like this to ever feel content when they live in a VIOLENT and ANGRY world. This is how the novel BEGINS and the ANGER and VIOLENCE will intensify at it progresses.

4. Pages 26 - 29 Explores George’s frustrations with Lennie. Many things make him angry and he threatens violence towards him. His anger reaches a crescendo of abuse (page 29) and then he feels ashamed. Look at the effect of his anger on Lennie. As a reader we realise that George’s anger is a symptom of the terrible pressure he is under. It also reveals a lot about the friendship.

5. Section 2 The conditions in the bunkhouse anger George(page 39) and reveal a lot about life in 1930’s America. Unemployment was so high the workers had no choice but to accept these poor working conditions. Notice how the men share “eight bunks” and have little privacy. This claustrophobic lifestyle is unjust and intensifies the anger and violence on the ranch.

6. Page 41 Candy’s conversation with George exposes the verbal violence Crooks is exposed to. Notice how Crooks hides from the violent abuse in the world of books. Candy also narrates an account of a fight between Smitty and Crooks with great relish. This is a world of injustice and violence is a form of entertainment.

7. Page 45 George becomes angry and accuses Candy of “pokin’ your big ears into our business”. His anger at the old man’s prying is indicative of their lifestyle. They lack privacy. As a reader we may realise that Candy is desperately lonely. George’s anger at Candy is also linked to his earlier frustrations with Lennie. (page 44)

8. Pages 46-47 This extract exposes the angriest character on the ranch. Curley is filled with insecurities (he is very small) and they manifest themselves in a desire to fight. Look at the passage carefully. Steinbeck uses an array of words to establish the anger in this man. “coldly” “lashed” Curley is a product of his society. He is a violent brute who feels the need to empower himself through intimidation. These threats will escalate into a full fight on (page 91). Foreshadowing. George is fearful of this and rightly predicts it on page 51.

9. Page 54 After Curley’s Wife exits, George delivers a tirade of angry abuse at her. Her sexuality is dangerous to George and encourages a misogynistic reaction in him. His words are violent and offensive and expose the fear that existed between men and women. Though unacceptable George’s enraged reaction mirrors the terrible events in Weed. (Remember Lennie was accused of a violent rape that he did not commit.) Lennie is once again frightened by the violent world that he inhabits. (Page 55)

10. Page 66 In a conversation with Slim, George confides in him about his violent exploitation of Lennie has a child.This reveals a lot about the world that George grew up and exposes a lot about the society in which he lived. It was CRUEL, and VIOLENCE was accepted as was the EXPLOITATION of the WEAK. On page 67, George makes a powerful revelation. He sees the connection between loneliness and violence. Slim agrees and perhaps both men echo the thoughts of our author.

11. Page 67 Slim and George converse about loneliness. They realise it is the cause of the anger and violence that surrounds them. THEIR CONVERSATION ENLIGHTENS THE READER. EXPOSES HOW THEY ARE AFFECTED BY THEIR ENVIRONMENT.

12. Page 81 Whit realises that there is the potential for trouble between Slim and Curley. Notice how suspicion and a lack of trust in a marriage leads to potential violence. Whit delights in the prospect of violent trouble breaking out. Importance of minor characters. Carlson is drawn to the action. Notice how George remains removed from trouble. He is determined to keep his job. Wants to hold onto his dream.

13. Page 83 A minor character (Andy Cushman) loses his freedom because of his violent reactions to a woman. Men and women seemed to be pitted against each other in this brutal world of suspicion and angst.

14. Page 86 We are reminded of Lennie’s violent nature in his reaction to the prospect of cats killing his rabbits. His words may be childlike but his desire for VIOLENT REVENGE FORESHADOWS Curley’s reaction to his wife’s death.(page 133)

15. Page 90-91 This extract is littered with Curley’s violent threats. His words are menacing and he tries to intimidate the others. When unsuccessful, he spies Lennie – the perfect victim. Look at the contrast between the two men. Finally, under orders from George, he attacks. The novel has been building up to this menacing climax since page 47. PAGE 92 – Slim is shocked at Lennie’s ability to harm. Very important for his future judgements. He also protects Lennie from what he has done.

16. Section 4 Crooks is very perceptive about the threat of violence. Perhaps this is indicative of a black man’s experience in America at this time. Page 104 he adapts as Lennie is about to become violent. His cruelty has angered Lennie. After a brief moment of company, Crooks becomes aware of the violent threat that shadows his existence. Curley’s Wife threatens to have in lynched. His reaction shows this is a likely possibility in 1930s America.(page 113).

17. Section 5 Lennie’s grief (page 120) at the loss of his puppy is quickly replaced by anger (page 121). He is changeable and dangerous. His actions here FORESHADOW future events with Curley’s wife. Curley’s wife is also very changeable. Her attempts to console Lennie mingle with frustrated rebukes. (page 123- 125) Her vanity will evoke Lennie’s confusion and subsequent anger. As her hair is rearranged, she begins to panic and he kills her.

18. Section 5 Only Slim shows compassion and this contrasts with Candy’s vehement attack on her dead body. (page 132) His words are littered with expletives. He is an angry misogynist. The section closes with Curley baying for revenge. If he has the chance, he will hunt Lennie down. He will die a terrifying death. George must protect his friend from this anger and violence. Steinbeck uses JUXTAPOSTION to help us to understand the violence and anger.

19. Section 6 Although Lennie dies, his friend protects him from the anger and violence that pursues him. He tells Lennie that he was never mad with him. He evokes the dream so Lennie dies happy and ensures he shoots him with great care so that he does not inflict pain upon him. Find quotes to support this. Is this a violent act or a compassionate one?