Chapter 1 (Asha, Clara, Leonard) Flashcards
Guys like us, that work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They don’t belong no place. . . . With us it ain’t like that. We got a future. We got somebody to talk to that gives a damn about us.
- George is aware of the fact that they are alone and they only have each other, this reveals the deep bond they share and it contrasts to the lonely life the ranch workers live. this relationship symbolises their hopes for the future and that dreams can offer comfort in the harsh world they live in. A dream that many had in the era.
“I want to tend the rabbits, George.”
“He’s just like a kid. He’s so big and strong, but he don’t know his own strength.”
This symbolises Lennie’s innocence by highlighting his desire for a small piece of happiness and stability which contrasts with the harsh realities of the 1930’s in California. It also highlights his child like demeanour and lack of awareness in his capabilities and his strength. His lack of awareness of strength could potentially foreshadow an event regarding his uncontrollable strength
“We’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres… An’ a garden…”
This is a vision of the dream that keeps them going, and reflects their want of stability and belonging, which was something that was elusive during the Great Depression. It reveals their asperations for future for which they can control their destiny/fate and escape the relentless cycle of loneliness and displacement.
“I like beans with ketchup.”
This demonstrates his inability to understand and grasp the gravity of the situation they are in, In the world in the 1930’s California, food was extremely scarce and having the basic necessities was already a huge deal. This suggests that Lennie’s mind is too basic to understand the ketchup is a want not a need and that he is lucky enough to have food especially during the Great Depression.
“You’re a goddamn nuisance. I can’t stand it.”
Despite his harsh words, George’s frusteration reflects how deeply he cares for Lennie, he knows that Lennie is innocent and doesn’t understand most things. This then leads to dangerous situations and makes George feel like he has the full weight of responsibility on his shoulders.
“Let’s have different coloured rabbits George.”
This shows that even of George and Lennie are in a difficult situation, Lennie still thinks about their future and believes in the is American Dream of having land and rabbits. he link having a future with rabbits. This demonstrates that Lennie is completely unaware and oblivious of the harsh truth of the world, that this is nothing more an a dream. This suggests that the rabbits are his beacon, or point of reference demonstrating that his mind of stuck on one thing.
“I forgot. I tried not to forget. Honest to God I tried.”
It highlights his struggle with memory and understanding, as well as his deep desire to please George. This moment reflects Lennie’s innocence and the challenges he faces due to his mental disability. It also illustrates the theme of friendship, as George often has to remind Lennie of important things, emphasising their reliance on each other.
“I seen hunderds of men come by an’ go on the road… an’ that same damn thing happens to them all.”
It reflects the nature of the lives of itinerant workers during the Great Depression. George is expressing the idea that many men travel from place to place in search of work and a better life, but often end up feeling lonely and unfulfilled, stuck in a cycle of hope and disappointment.
This quote emphasises the themes of loneliness and the elusive nature of the American Dream, as well as foreshadowing George and Lennie’s struggles. It demonstrates George’s protective instincts towards Lennie and highlights their unique bond in contrast to the isolation experienced by many others in the 1930’s.
“Lennie, who had been watching, imitated George exactly.”
This highlights Lennie’s adoration for George and his desire to be close with him. In addition, this moment supports the idea of Lennie having a childlike behaviour and his immense dependance on George. Furthermore, this imitation shows Lennie’s innocence and foreshadows challenges regarding Lennie’s mental limits. However, this quote also displays themes of friendship.
“I want to pet it with my thumb while we both sit by the fire.”
This line reflects Lennie’s innocence and his pure, simple dream. It also proposes the idea that he longs for companionship and comfort as rabbits symbolise safety and innocence. Lennie’s desire contrasts with the theme of the American Dream as they are face with the harsh reality of the world, emphasising the fragility of their dream.
