Carlson Flashcards
Q: How is Carlson initially presented in Of Mice and Men?
As pragmatic and unsentimental. In Chapter 3, he convinces Candy to shoot his dog, saying, “You ain’t bein’ kind to him keepin’ him alive.”
Q: What concept does Carlson’s attitude towards Candy’s dog represent?
Euthanasia—he believes it’s more merciful to end suffering, paralleling Slim’s decision to drown puppies who can’t be fed.
Q: How does Carlson differ from Slim in his pragmatism?
Unlike Slim, who acts out of the greater good, Carlson reflects a cold utilitarianism that values only the useful, mirroring capitalist priorities.
Q: What does Carlson’s suggestion that Candy get a pup symbolize?
A: The idea that Candy himself can be replaced by someone younger and more capable—an embodiment of Social Darwinism in action.
Q: How does Social Darwinism relate to Carlson’s outlook?
A: He embodies its belief in ‘survival of the fittest—valuing only those who can contribute economically, with no regard for sentiment or humanity.
Q: How does Carlson’s attitude mirror societal sexism in the 1930s and 1950s?
A: His casual sexism reflects widespread misogyny; even in the 1950s, women were told to focus on pleasing men (e.g., the “Good Wife’s Guide”).
How does Carlson display sexist attitudes?
In Chapter 3, he says, “Why’n’t you tell her to stay the hell home where she belongs?” reflecting misogynistic views that confine women to domestic roles.
How does Carlson reflect the erosion of friendship and empathy on the ranch?
Steinbeck shows how the harsh, distrustful environment of itinerant work erodes social bonds—Carlson shows no understanding of emotional attachment.
What does Carlson’s comment about Curley’s Wife suggest about gender roles?
Women are seen as property in a male-dominated world. Carlson blames Curley for failing to control his wife, ignoring her loneliness and dreams.
Q: How does Carlson’s “Luger” serve as a motif?
A: It symbolizes death and violence. The pistol is mentioned 6 times and is used to kill Candy’s dog, representing man-made cruelty and power.
Q: What does Carlson’s final line reveal about his character?
A: After George kills Lennie, Carlson says, “Now what the hell ya suppose is eatin’ them two guys?” showing complete emotional detachment and cruelty.
Q: How does Carlson’s cruelty link to Social Darwinism?
A: His ruthless practicality mirrors the ideology used to justify racism, imperialism, and disregard for the weak—beliefs that fueled atrocities like the Holocaust.
Q: Why is the Luger significant historically?
A: Known for precision, it was widely used in WW1 and by the Weimar Republic, evoking images of war and foreshadowing the atrocities of Nazi Germany.
Q: How does Steinbeck use Carlson’s Luger to warn readers?
A: It highlights how ordinary cruelty can escalate into larger-scale savagery—Steinbeck may be cautioning against unchecked violence and dehumanization.
Q: How did survival during the Great Depression shape attitudes like Carlson’s?
A: Extreme poverty and competition for jobs made people ruthless and indifferent to others’ suffering, as seen in Carlson’s callousness.
Q: How does Carlson’s emotional detachment contribute to Steinbeck’s message?
A: It raises the question: is cruelty innate in human nature, or does a harsh society breed it? Steinbeck leaves this dilemma open to the reader.
Q: What broader societal issue does Carlson’s character highlight?
A: The abandonment of the weak in favor of the strong—Carlson embodies a society that disregards compassion for efficiency and survival.
Q: How does Carlson serve as a counterpoint to Slim and George?
A: Unlike Slim, who shows empathy, Carlson represents those hardened by hardship, using violence as a first resort rather than a last.
Q: How does Steinbeck use Carlson to critique cruelty?
A: Carlson shows how suffering can breed cruelty; Steinbeck warns readers against losing empathy, even in difficult circumstances.
Q: What is the significance of Carlson killing Candy’s dog?
A: It demonstrates his cold pragmatism and lack of sentiment—he sees no value in preserving life if it isn’t useful.
Q: How does Carlson’s violence extend beyond physical actions?
A: His words are also violent and dismissive—he shows no understanding of human connection, reducing others to their functional worth.
Q: Why might Steinbeck include Carlson’s sexism and racism, even if indirectly?
Q: Why might Steinbeck include Carlson’s sexism and racism, even if indirectly?
Q: What historical parallels are evoked by Carlson’s actions?
A: His lack of empathy mirrors the ideologies and atrocities of Social Darwinism, including those seen in Nazi Germany and imperialist policies.
Q: How is Carlson’s practicality different from Slim’s?
A: Slim balances practicality with compassion, while Carlson is purely utilitarian, lacking empathy for anyone not deemed useful.
