1. Of Mice and Men: The final scene What message does Steinbeck convey in the final scene? What structural patterning is used in the final scene?

2. Why show Lennie recalling his dream in the moments before death?  Lennie giggled with happiness, ‘An’ live on the fatta the lan.’  What does the dream motif represent to Lennie?  Where else do we hear about it in the novel? Find page ref.  What message does Steinbeck convey about the American Dream?

3. A* paragraph showing understanding of authorial intention and structural patterning Steinbeck shows Lennie is in a state of innocence and fantasy before his death as he recalls for a final time his dream to ‘live on the fatta the lan’. This is moving and tragic; Steinbeck uses this scene to criticise the dream showing that it is illusory for those vulnerable in society. Lennie’s dream is a recurring motif first introduced in chapter one and shows the cyclical nature of the novel – Lennie is trapped in a dream that will never materialise; he cannot escape his fate.

4. How does Steinbeck want us to feel towards George for his actions?  Slim came directly to George and sat down beside him, sat very close to him. ‘Never you mind,’ said Slim. ‘A guy got to sometimes.’ ‘you hadda, George.’  Why does George ‘got to’? What is the alternative consequence? Find a quote.  Which earlier event does the murder of Lennie echo? Find a quote for this. What is the effect of this echo?

5. A* paragraph showing understanding of authorial intention and structural patterning Steinbeck uses Slim as his mouthpiece in the final scene instructing the reader to feel empathy towards George by justifying his actions by saying ‘A guy got to sometimes’. Slim recognises that this is a kinder fate than Curley’s threat to ‘shoot the guts outa that big bastard’. This also echoes the earlier shooting of Candy’s ‘stiff with rheumatism’ dog which was a merciful killing and prepared us for George’s compassionate but difficult decision. Unlike Candy, who has Carlson kill the dog, George ends Lennie’s life himself which shows his courage.

6. Why end the novel with Carlson’s confusion?  ‘Curley and Carlson looked after them [George and Slim]. And Carlson said: ‘now what the hell ya suppose is eating’ them two guys?’  How can Curley and & Carlson be seen to contrast George & Slim? Find quotes from earlier in the novel to support  George – ch.3 view on ranchmen working on their own?  Slim – Ch.2 view on why ranchmen don’t travel together?  Curley – ch.3 example of his provocative nature?  Carlson – ch.2 example of his tactless approach to Candy?

7. A* paragraph showing understanding of the theme of friendship and characterisation Steinbeck concludes the novella with the juxtaposition of the emotionally cold Carlson and Curley with the more compassionate George and Slim. Hardened by years working alone on the ranch, Carlson has lost the ability to feel and support others. Steinbeck offers the reader hope that friendship and humanity – as shown through George, Lennie and Slim -is the only source of protection and hope in an otherwise brutal and unjust world. Re-write this (or write your own) but with cross- referenced quotes to prove your evaluation of character.