Of Mice and Men Chapter 3 questions

Some navigating questions to support a discussion of Steinbeck's novel

1. Chapter 3 Questions – Of Mice & Men

2. In this chapter we learn a lot more about the kind of man Slim is and why the bunkhouse holds him in such high regard. What phrases does Steinbeck use to reflect this in his description?

3. Why did George and Lennie have to leave Weed in such a hurry? Was Lennie to blame for his actions?

4. Carlson offers a simple solution to the problem of Candy’s dog’s smell and feebleness: shoot it. Slim concurs, saying that the old dog only suffers. What does this tell you about weak people/animals? What does this tell you about the time period?

5. In this chapter we learn about the struggle the men have to save their meagre earnings – what are the temptations they face and how do most men blow their wages each week?

6. George recites the ‘dream’ to Lennie, not realising that Candy is listening too. When the old swamper offers to hand over his savings if he can become a part of that dream, it becomes (perhaps for the first time) a real possibility. How does this modify the mood of the novel? Do you think they’ll actually buy the farm?

7. Why does Candy say that he should have shot his own dog?

8. What is the source of tension between Slim and Curley? Why do you think Curley transfers his anger towards Lennie, rather than have it out with Slim and what does this tell us about him?

9. Look again at the fight between Curley and Lennie – and the language used to describe it. What effect does Steinbeck achieve here? In the aftermath of the fight, who has the highest status in the room (and how have you arrived at that opinion?).

10. Now think about the hierarchy of status on the ranch more broadly – who has the most and least power and influence? Can you create an ordered list from most to least status? Is it stable of does it change as events unfold?