1. What links these pictures?

2. look at how Steinbeck presents the characters of George & Lennie in chapter 1

3. California’s location in the USA

4. Salinas Valley’s location within California

5. Of Mice and Men Chapter 1
As you listen, think about what you need to fill in on the chapter chart.
Which characters are involved?
Where is it set?
What are the main events?
Which quotes can you use to prove what you think?

7. Lennie
‘Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water’ What does this quote say about Lennie’s character and the type of person he is? .

8. ‘Lennie dabbled his big paw in the water’
What does this quote say about Lennie’s character and the type of person he is?
Lennie Small is a big bear of a man. He is tall and well-built, much more so than most other people, with large, strong hands. He is also quite a child-like being, whom George claims was kicked in the head by a horse when he was younger, which has affected Lennie mentally.
The quote tells us that not only does he have large, bear like hands, which the writer describes as paws to link them to a bear, but that also Lennie has child-like qualities. This is shown by the use of the word dabbled, which suggests a childish fascination and that Lennie is playing in the water rather than doing anything purposeful.

9. George
‘ “Lennie!” he said sharply. “Lennie, for God’s sake don’t drink so much.”’ What does this quote say about George’s character?

10. What does this quote say about George’s character?
‘ “Lennie!” he said sharply. “Lennie, for God’s sake don’t drink so much.”’
What does this quote say about George’s character?
This quote shows George talking directly to Lennie about the fact that he feels Lennie is drinking too much. This is a clear demonstration of the parent-child type relationship between the two characters, as George obviously feels that he needs to take a lead on keeping Lennie’s behaviour in check and take charge of the situation. This shows that in their relationship, he is acting more as a parent would do rather than it being a relationship of two equals. The fact that he speaks sharply to him also proves this as it reveals that he feels he is in charge and needs to bring Lennie back into line. If he did not feel this, he would speak to him gently, perhaps softly or even firmly. Sharply indicates that he feels himself to be much more of an authority figure for Lennie. This is an example of George being more mature and responsible as a character than Lennie, and that he therefore feels a need to regulate Lennie’s behaviour and take responsibility for doing so.

11. Timing is everything!
George plans the timing of their approach to the ranch very carefully so that they can have one night of freedom in the open air. The time he and Lennie spend by the pool is obviously very important to them, despite the frustration they both feel about their situation.

12. Time to think… George Lennie
Why is the time out so important to George?
What do you learn about his personality from the way he speaks?
What evidence can you find to support the idea that George is an intelligent man?
What seems to have happened to George in the past?
What are his problems at the moment?
Lennie
Does Lennie enjoy the break under the stars for the same reasons?
What do you learn about Lennie from the way he behaves and speaks?
What things are most important in his mind?
What seems to have happened to Lennie in the past?
What are his problems at the moment?

13. Relationship
Look at the way George speaks to Lennie. How would you describe his attitude to Lennie? Affection? Irritation? What does George have to do for Lennie? Why does he do it? If George is like a parent to Lennie, is he a good or a bad parent?

14. Over to you!
Choose two quotes each for Lennie and George, either from your outline page or the chapter chart. Using PEE chain paragraphs, explain what these quotes tell you about the character, about their personality and why they act how they do.