of mice and men exam

Question 1

Race

Answer 1

Steinbeck shows race with the language and behaviour towards Crooks, from the other characters calling him the n word, negro and stable buck. He has his own room, away from the others and is not allowed to play games or do the same jobs as them. Some other quotes are “I could get you hung up on a tree so easy it ain’t even funny.” said by Curley’s wife.
Steinbeck also shows that racism is something that is learnt from influences, this is shown by Lennie not being racist as he has the mind of a child.

Question 2

Female role

Answer 2

In the book Steinbeck shows there are only few roles available to women at this time, some being the innocent virgin, carer/mother or a prostitute. He shows this by Curley’s wife not wanting to be an innocent virgin, can’t be a carer so she picks the role most available. “nobody can’t blame a person for lookin’.”

Question 3

Curley and his wife’s relationship

Answer 3

In the book Curley’s wife always seems to be looking for her husband. This is because she is bored and lonely and does not want to stay back at the house, she is not fit for a ranch.She uses this excuse so she can talk to the other men, by starting the conversation with “I’m lookin’ for Curley.” a common theme that changes subject quickly. “ain’t I gotta right to talk to no one?”. Curley wants her to stay at home away from the other men and use her as something to show off about. This is why she is known as Curley’s wife because she is his possession

Question 4

The men in the bunkhouse’s relationship

Answer 4

In the bunkhouse they are all very different but have one thing they all have in common. The American dream. At this time it was tough because the great depression

Question 5

Lennie and George’s relationship

Answer 5

In this relationship, George cares for Lennie although he can be quite harsh sometimes “you go get wood.. don’t fool around.”