1. VOCABULARY, ALLUSIONS, HISTORICAL REFERENCES AND LITERARY TERMS
Of Mice and Men
VOCABULARY, ALLUSIONS,
HISTORICAL REFERENCES AND
LITERARY TERMS

2. Chapter 2
PAGES 17-37
ACT I SCENE 2

3. VOCABULARY
bunkhouse: sleeping quarters intended for use by multiple people.  P.17

4. VOCABULARY
talcum powder: Very similar in texture to baby powder, talcum powder was used mainly after bathing or shaving. P.17
apple box: A box used for storage or as a stepstool capable of holding a person's weight.  P.17

5. VOCABULARY
scourges: A widespread affliction, an epidemic illness or the consequence of some natural disaster, like fire, flood, or a migration of locusts. p18

6. ticking: mattress covering. p. 17
VOCABULARY
liniment: A topical cream for the skin that helps with pain or rashes. P.19
ticking: mattress covering. p. 17

7. Allusions & Historical References
pants rabbits: A sexually transmitted disease, known as pubic lice.  P.18
graybacks: The equivalent of ticks or lice. P.18

8. Allusions & Historical References
Stetson hat: A famous brand of hats, especially cowboy hats. P. 20
swamper: A general assistant; handyman. P.18

9. Allusions & Historical References
jerkline skinner: lead driver of a team of mules. P.28
stable buck: a derogatory name for an African-American man who works in the stables. P.20

10. Allusions & Historical References
Murray and Ready: An employment agency, specializing in farm work. P.21

11. Allusions & Historical References
cultivator: A farming tool used to stir and soften the soil either before or after planting. P.22

12. Allusions & Historical References
buck barley: To throw large bags of barley on a truck. P.23
two bits: Twenty-Five cents.  P.33

13. Chapter 2
PAGES 17-37
ACT I SCENE 2

14. cesspool: A well or pit filled with drainage or sewage. p23
VOCABULARY
cesspool: A well or pit filled with drainage or sewage. p23
slough: A muddy or marshy area.

15. Literary Terms
dialect - way of speaking that is characteristic of a particular region or group of people.

16. Literary Terms
novella – (Italian) serious fictional work in between a novel and short story in length.

17. irony – contrast or discrepancy between expectation and reality.
Literary Terms
irony – contrast or discrepancy between expectation and reality.
(verbal, situational, dramatic)

18. Literary Terms
direct characterization – writer tells the reader directly what the character is like
indirect characterization – writer reveals character by describing looks, etc.; dialogue; inner thoughts, feelings, and actions; and what others say about the character.