omam essay plans Flashcards
(29 cards)
What role does Slim play in Steinbeck’s narrative?
Slim serves as a mouthpiece for Steinbeck’s views on 1930s American society, portrayed as wise, authoritative, and morally superior.
Slim’s character reflects ideals of masculinity and morality.
How does the narrator describe the respect for Slim?
The narrator states, ‘Slim’s opinions were law,’ indicating the high regard ranch workers have for him.
This reflects the social dynamics of the 1930s where respect is earned through good character.
What does Slim’s treatment of Crooks reveal?
Slim treats Crooks with fairness and dignity, earning his respect, which contrasts with how others treat marginalized characters.
This highlights Slim’s moral superiority in a racially segregated society.
What does Slim’s interaction with Candy signify?
Slim’s moral authority makes others look to him for decisions, as seen when Candy looks to Slim for approval regarding his dog’s fate.
Slim’s actions go against ageism prevalent among other ranch workers.
How does Slim treat Curley’s wife?
Slim shows dignity and compassion towards Curley’s wife, recognizing her humanity, unlike the other men on the ranch.
This contrasts with the societal norms of the 1930s regarding women’s rights.
What does Slim’s defense of Lennie illustrate?
Slim defends Lennie, recognizing his innocence and goodness despite societal judgment based on size and disability.
This highlights the mistreatment of mentally disabled individuals in 1930s society.
What does Slim say about friendship between George and Lennie?
Slim acknowledges the rarity of companionship, stating, ‘Ain’t many guys travel around together.’
This reflects the loneliness of itinerant workers during the Great Depression.
How does Slim comfort George after Lennie’s death?
Slim empathizes with George’s sacrifice, saying, ‘You hadda, George. I swear you hadda.’
This moment underscores Slim’s compassion, which is rare in ranch life.
What does George’s insistence for Lennie to stay with him signify?
George’s insistence shows his responsibility, loyalty, and attachment to Lennie, despite the burdens.
This defies the isolationist norms of the Great Depression.
What does George express about their future?
George shares hope, stating, ‘We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us.’
This emphasizes the importance of dreams and companionship in a harsh world.
How does George’s view of Curley’s wife reveal societal attitudes?
George says, ‘Jesus, what a tramp,’ reflecting sexist assumptions and the distrust of women prevalent in 1930s America.
This showcases the Madonna-whore complex affecting women’s roles.
What does Lennie’s innocence signify?
Lennie’s childlike speech and apologies reveal his innocence and vulnerability, highlighting the dangers of misunderstanding in a harsh society.
This illustrates the struggles faced by mentally disabled individuals.
What does the rabbit symbolize for Lennie?
The rabbit represents Lennie’s ideal dream of safety and care, emphasizing his reliance on George.
This personalizes the American dream for Lennie.
How does Lennie’s strength contrast with his disability?
Lennie’s physical power is admired, but his emotional struggles lead to tragic consequences, showcasing societal brutality.
This reflects the harsh treatment of those who cannot fit societal norms.
What does Curley’s behavior reveal about his character?
Curley exhibits insecurity and aggression, often picking fights with bigger men to assert dominance.
This highlights the toxic masculinity and power dynamics of ranch life.
How does Curley treat Crooks?
Curley uses imperatives and threats, showing cruelty and a lack of respect towards Crooks.
This reflects the institutionalized racism of the 1930s.
What does Candy’s regret about his dog signify?
Candy’s regret for not shooting his dog himself highlights the vulnerability of those who are no longer useful in society.
This illustrates the brutal utilitarian mindset of the ranch life.
What does Crooks’ statement about loneliness reveal?
Crooks states, ‘A guy needs somebody to be near him,’ emphasizing the emotional toll of isolation.
This highlights the exacerbated loneliness faced by marginalized individuals.
What does Curley’s wife’s dream represent?
Her dream of being in the movies signifies her desire to escape societal limitations and highlights the common human aspiration for something greater.
This illustrates how women’s ambitions were often stifled by patriarchy.
What does the quote, ‘A guy needs somebody to be near him. A guy goes nuts if he ain’t got nobody,’ illustrate about loneliness?
The emotional toll of loneliness and its effect on a person
This quote highlights the profound impact of isolation on mental health.
How does Crooks’ loneliness differ from that of other characters in the 1930s ranch life?
It is exacerbated by the effect of racism, making his existence painful and miserable
Crooks experiences double isolation due to both his race and his lifestyle.
What connection does Crooks make between loneliness and physical health?
He states, ‘I tell ya a guy gets too lonely, and he gets sick,’ indicating emotional isolation can lead to physical illness
This illustrates the severe impact of isolation on overall well-being.
What does Crooks’ initial mockery of George and Lennie’s dream signify?
His bitterness and isolation but later reveals his desire for belonging and purpose when he believes the dream could come true
This reflects a brief flicker of hope in a bleak existence.
What does Crooks’ withdrawal from the dream after Curley’s wife’s cruelty indicate?
His realization that the dream is unattainable, showing how society and racism crush the dreams of the marginalized
It highlights the harsh reality faced by characters like Crooks.
