Between The Line Questions

Motif
1)Name a motif and explain it
One motif is in the story in Lennie keeps being compared to animals. Some animals he is compared to animals. Some animals he is compared to are a bear and an ox. I think Steinbeck is trying to show hoe because of his mental retardation, that people try to dehumanize him. I also think he is being compared to animals because of his size. Like bears and oxen, he is very large.

Symbols
2) what does Candy’s dog represent ?
In a way, I think Candy’s dog represents Candy himself. Like his dog, Candy is very old.Candy and his dog both have handicaps, Candy lost an arm and the dog is blind. That’s probably why Candy got so upset when his dog was shot. A piece of him died along with the dog.

Theme
3) Describe a theme in the story.
A theme in Of Mice and Men is the need for human companionship. An obvious example of this is Curley’s wife. Curley’s wife is very lonely and unhappy being the only female on the ranch. Some may mistake her for a loose woman, but really she’s just looking for a friend. Also, look at Lennie and George, they need each other.

Setting
4) What does the ranch represent?
I think the ranch is similar to the American Dream. They travel somewhere in hopes for a better life. Everyone is out working to get their fair share. They all work to achieve a common goal. All the ranchers work endlessly, and sometimes don’t get what they set out for.

Characters
5) Do you think George needs Lennie?
I do think George needs Lennie. He uses his strength to earn him money. The money they earn goes towards something they both want. He also needs Lennie for his friendship. Like he says, a rancher is the loneliest guy in the world.

Conflict
6) Describe a man versus man conflict in Of Mice And Men.
A man v man conflict in this story is the one between Curley and George. Curley has what you would call Napoleon Complex, because he is short. He dislikes tall men because of the automatic respect they receive. Unlike them he has to earn respect or use someone else’s power, like his father’s. Automatically, when he sees Lennie he is jealous and makes things difficult for poor

Beyond The Line - Characters

Imagine being the only woman being around for miles, like Curley’s wife on the ranch. For many women of the 1920s and today, that can be the harsh reality, literally and figuratively. The 19th Amendment was passed in 1920, thanks to the suffragettes, but women still have a long way to go. To start of with, women feel free to judge other and call other women derogatory names. Next, gender roles are still very traditional. Finally women still face employment discrimination.

Since that time period, women have come a long way, however, I don’t believe females are united, as we should be. Today’s women are very quick to judge and label others with derogatory terms such as whores and bitches. Men hear women calling each other that, feeling it’s acceptable for them. When we feel free to use these words, we’re as stranded as Curley’s wife.

Although you may not realize it, gender roles are still pretty traditional. Females are expected to take care of the household. They do most of the cleaning and cooking around the house. While some may enjoy this, others may feel like that’s what is expected of them, therefore they have to All of this while holding down a job.

Women of the 1920’s and today both face employment discrimination. Imagine Curley’s wife working on the ranch along side George and the other ranchers. That never would have been possible! We have made great progress, but work still needs to be done. For example, it is rare to see a woman firefighter or policeman.

Female have achieved so much since the 19th Amendment was passed. Look at people like Hilary Clinton. Still, much needs to be done for women to be seen as equal to their male counter-parts. First of all, women don’t respect each other enough. Secondly, many women feel obligated to fill traditional roles. Last, but not least, women still face employment discrimination.