Themes

Question 1

The Predatory Nature of Human Existence

Answer 1

• A grim lesson about the nature of human existence.
• Sense of loneliness and isolation amongst the characters==> attentive ear of a stranger instead of a friend.
• At their weakest, the characters seek to destroy each other.
• The most visible kind of strength = born in weakness

Question 2

Fraternity and the Idealized Male Friendship

Answer 2

• Due to their harsh, lonely conditions, they idealize male friendship==> a will to be brothers, to protect each other
• The world is too harsh to sustain such a rare relationship==> Lennie’s death==> end of a dream

Question 3

The Impossibility of the American Dream

Answer 3

• Dreams of another life==> Curley’s wife wishes to be a movie star, George and Lennie’s dream
• Blocked==> American Dream impossible

Question 4

Fallenness

Answer 4

-Story draws from the biblical story of the Garden of Eden