Of Mice and Men Character Analysis Flashcards
(24 cards)
Analyse the quote “Crooks was a proud aloof man. He kept his distance and demanded that others kept theirs”
Suggests Crooks kept his distance as a method of self preservation, as he is aware of the harsh consequences he could face dur to the racial inequality he faces. Highlights how resilient Crooks is as he still has pride even after years of mistreatment, perhaps intriguing the reader about Crooks
Analyse the quote “a tattered dictionary and a mauled copy of the California Civil code for 1905. There were battered magazines and… a large pair of gold rimmed spectacles”
The quote shows how despite the set backs Crooks is extremely intelligent and takes pride in his knowledge, he has read the books many times and values his possessions. He also knows the importance of the California Civil Code and is very aware of his place in society and his rights
Analyse the quote “ A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody”
Demonstrates the deep impact loneliness has on mental health and the well being of a person, highlighting how aware Crooks is of these affect due to his constant isolation because of his skin colour
Analyse the quote “You know what I could do to you if you open your trap…I could get you strung up on a tree so east it ain’t even funny”
This shows how Curley’s wife uses her racial power over Crooks, reminding him of the dangerous consequences Black men faced in 1930s America. Emphasises how vulnerable Crook is constantly and explains why is often so hostile and unwilling to let his guard down
Analyse the quote “S’pose you couldn’t go into the bunkhouse and play rummy ‘cause you was black…”
This emphasises the constant injustice Crooks has to face on a daily basis and reveals the resentment he feels for being constantly excluded, and the desperation to make someone understand his constant pain
Analyse the quote “Nobody never gets to heaven, and nobody gets no land.”
This quote demonstrates how Crooks knows how fragile and unrealistic the American Dream is for most people, however many don’t realise. But as Crooks has faced so much hardship he knows that dreams are often crushed by he harsh reality of life, especially in the grueling times of the Great depression
Analyse the quote “Lennie! for God’ sakes don’t drink so much.”
Reveals Lennie’s lack of self control perhaps foreshadowing the running theme of how Lennie’s impulsive behaviour and lack of self-control lands him in some sort of trouble
Analyse the quote “He’s strong as a bull.”
The simile emphasises Lennie’s raw, animal-like strength. It also suggests a lack of control—like a bull, Lennie is powerful but not always aware of his force.
Analyse the quote “We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us.”
Highlights how deeply Lennie believes in the American Dream and there isn’t any doubt within him that the dream might not come true.
Analyse the quote “Le’s do it now. Le’s get that place now.”
The quote shows how unaware Lennie is of the harsh reality and consequences of his actions and his constant hope for a better future with George. His hope is pure and persistent and believes in the American dream
Analyse the quote “because I got you to look after me, and you got me to look after you”
The quote demonstrates Lennie’s unwavering and deep rooted trust and love for George, it demonstrates how he values their bond and in his eyes they have an mutual relationship not a parent child relationship.
Analyse the quote “Why ain’t you wanted” Lennie asked”
The quote emphasises Lennie’s genuine a sweet nature and how doesn’t understand concepts such as racism and treats everyone the same, moreover he has a welcoming and kind nature which makes Crooks feel comfortable enough to open up to him.
Analyse the quote “You can’t keep a job and you lose me ever’ job I get.”
This quote exposes George’s frustration with Lennie’s actions and how he constantly has to deal with the consequences. Might make the reader feel sympathy for George’s situation and understand the complexity of his and Lennie’s relationship. Reflects the lack of care support in the 1930’s and highlights how all responsibility feel on friends and family
Analyse the quote “You do bad things and I got to get you out.”
The quote highlights how George can sometimes feel burdened with the responsibility of caring for Lennie. Steinbeck might have wanted to highlight the parent child dynamic of their relationship, but also foreshadow and create tension that Lennie might once again do “bad things”
Analyse the quote “If I was alone I could live so easy. I could get a job a’ work, an’ no trouble. But I got to look after you”
This reveals the weight of George’s responsibility and exposes his internal conflict of freedom and loyalty for Lennie. But also emphasises how even though Lennie can sometimes make his life more challenging he will always chose Lennie, revealing is loyal nature. The novel reflects the Depression struggles where personal desires had to be put aside in order to care for loved ones
Analyse the quote “I ain’t gonna let ‘em hurt Lennie.”
The quote reflects George’s unwavering loyalty and protectiveness of Lennie even in the face of Lennie killing Curley’s Wife and the growing danger Lennie will be in. Highlighting the rareness and rarity of a bond of that strength especially in ranches which are often full of lonely isolated itinerant workers
Analyse the quote “O.K. Someday—we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house.”
This demonstrates George’s desperate desire for a better life, and how willing he is to be believe in the American Dream due to his longing for independence and stability. Which mirrors how many Americans were displaced during the Great Depression and how they longed for a place to call home and the hardship to end
Analyse the quote “We’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres.”
The constant repetition of the dream highlights the constant hope George has for achieving this with Lennie. But also constantly contrasts the harsh truth of their reality. This mirrors the constant optimism many Americans had for their American Dream even if it was completely out of reach
Analyse the quote “You can talk to people, but I can’t talk to nobody but Curley.”
It reveals her isolation on the ranch as the only female living their, and she s excluded from the male society in the ranch due her husbands possessiveness, because even in her marriage she is see as an object instead of a human with feelings. Steinbeck may have done this to critique the patriarchal societies views on women and emphasises how women often felt powerless and lonely, especially during the 1930’s when they were forced to be wives and homemakers
Analyse the quote “I don’t like Curley . He ain’t a nice fella”
This reveals her regret for marrying Curley and how she is aware that she is trapped in a marriage that she does not like and with a man who doesn’t love her. This may make the reader feel sympathy for Curley and understand her desperation for attention. In the 1930’s women were sometimes trapped in a marriage that made them feel weak and powerless due to the lack of equality at the time, Steinbeck may be trying to criticise the patriarchal society of the time
Analyse the quote “She put her hands behind her back and leaned against the door frame so that her body was thrown forward.”
The quote reveals how Curley’s wife uses her body for attention as it is the only thing she has control over in the harsh patriarchal society in the ranch which further mirrors society in general in the 1930’s and how many woman were desperate to be recognised as their own person so used their body to get any form of attention they could.
Analyse the quote “What’s the matter with me? Ain’t I got a right to talk to nobody?”
This quote demonstrates Curley’s wife’s constant isolation but also highlights how others perceive her as flirtatious whereas she is just trying o interact with other humans. Exposing how men in the 1930’s often just thought of women as sexual objects instead of humans with deeper feelings.
Analyse the quote “Seems like Curley is cockier’n ever since he got married.”
This quote demonstrates how women were viewed as objects and nothing more, also highlighting how Curley sees his wife as a symbol of status instead of a partnership, moreover showing how Curley is desperate to prove his masculinity and how he uses a woman to do that. Steinbeck may be revealing how toxic masculinity can lead to people, especially women getting hurt and critising the views of woman in the 1930’s
Analyse the quote “Coulda been in the movies, an’ had nice clothes.”
Reveals how Curley’s wife’s American Dream was to be seen and liked, which completely juxtaposes her reality of the ranch. And her desperation to have a better life, as hers is currently full of shattered dreams and isolation.
