1. What about Of Mice and Men???

2. REMEMBER there are two sections

3. REMEMBER you MUST link your response to the social, historical context of the novel.

4. LET’S LOOK AT PAGE 44-46

5. How does Steinbeck present the character of Carlson?

6. How is Carlson presented?
DEVICE
QUOTATION
ANALYSIS
“The thick bodied Carlson”
“God awmighty that dog stinks. Get him outta here”
“The old ,man squirmed uncomfortably”
“Carlson was not to be put off”
“Carlson insisted”
“You ain’t being kind to him keepin him alive”

7. What is the examiner looking for?
Insightful response to the question (think outside the box)
Insightful response to the text
Close analysis of quotations to support your interpretation of the text
Analysis of the writer’s use of language or structure for effect
Insightful exploration of themes and ideas
Different interpretations of the text – original thought.

8. Let’s take a closer look…
From the onset Carlson is presented as a determined character who is hell bent on ensuring Candy’s dog is killed at his hands. From the minute he enters the bunkhouse the “thicked bodied” Carlson is juxtaposed with Candy’s fragility and vulnerability. Steinbeck presents him as a strong character who may not be “the prince of the ranch” but is certainly a man you would not want to have confrontation with. Presented as a typical ranch worker he dominates this scene through his language and actions “You gotta get him out of here” he speaks using the same vernacular as the other men “God awmighty that dog stinks. Get him outta here Candy!” however his speech is littered with imperatives showing that he is in control and even if Candy “apologized” it wont change the fate of his dog. Candy’s reaction to Carlson as he “squirmed uncomfortably” only shapes our view of Carlson as someone who is intimidating and threatening. The fact that he causes Candy to have such a strong physical reaction secures his places firmly on the ranch’s hierarchy. He even manages to persuade Slim…

9. How does Steinbeck present the relationship between the ranch workers?

10. Let’s take a closer look…
The killing of Candy’s dog is a pivotal point in the novel as the true hierarchy of the ranch becomes evident. The fact that Candy “looked a long time at Slim for some sort of reversal” instantly identifies the position of the Slim as “prince of the ranch”. Whilst Candy is presented as being inferior in comparison. Steinbeck presents Candy as a victim of the other men in this extract as he uses adverbs “softly” and “hopelessly” to describe Candy’s reaction when Slim fails to “reverse” his decision. Steinbeck shows us that Candy has no say; the action of killing the dog is final. Although Carlson looks at Candy “apologetically” he is in control…

11. In the rest of the novel how does Steinbeck present the relationship between the ranch workers?