Quotes from the text.
1. From the first sight of Lennie and George, a dynamic in their relationship is
established when “[t]hey… walked in single file down the path, and even in
the open one stayed behind the other. Both were dressed in denim trousers and
in denim coats with brass buttons. Both wore black shapeless hats and both
carried tight blanket rolls slung over their shoulders” (0).
2. When the group of hands decides to put down Candy’s dog, Candy struggles
for reason to keep him alive as he “… looked for help from face to face” (45).
3. The America Steinbeck discovered in his travels around the working camps of
northern California is illuminated when George explains, “Guys like us, that
work on ranches, are the loneliest guys in the world. They got no family. They
don’t belong no place. They come to a ranch an’ work up a stake and then
they go inta town and blow their stake, and the first thing you know they’re
poundin’ their tail on some other ranch. They ain’t got nothing to look ahead
to” (0).
4. George’s character seems particular prone to the American syndrome of “get
up and go” when he claims, “For two bits I’d shove out of here. If we can get
jus’ a few dollars in the poke we’ll shove off and go up the American River
and pan gold. We can make maybe a couple of dollars a day there, and we
might hit a pocket” (0).
5. Even though George is trying to protect Lennie, the boss is suspicious of their
situation as companions. This is apparent when “The boss pointed a playful
finger at Lennie. ‘He ain’t much of a talker is he?’ ‘No he ain’t, but he’s sure
a hell of a good worker. Strong as a bull.’ Lennie smiled to himself. ‘Strong as
a bull,’ he repeated. George scowled at him, and Lennie dropped his head in
shame at having forgotten” (0).
6. George scolds Lennie for complicating his life when he states, “God, you’re a
lot of trouble,” said George. “I could get along so easy and so nice if I didn’t
have you on my tail. I could live so easy and maybe have a girl” (0).
7. In response to Georges complaints, Lennie offers, “‘If you don’ want me I can
go off in the hills an’ find a cave. I can go away any time.’” George quickly
recants his earlier statements when he declares, “No—look! I was jus’ foolin’,
Lennie. ‘Cause I want you to stay with me’” (0.)
8. Innocently unaware of societal norms, Lennie goes into Crook’s room to talk
to him. He naively asks Crooks why he wasn’t wanted to which Crooks
responds, “Cause I’m black. They play cards in there, but I can’t play because
I’m black’” (68).