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