College Com Arts – 2014
NOTES
Name:_____________________________
Of Mice and Men Vocabulary
Reread the following sentences and figure out the meaning of the bold words by using at least two of the
following: prefixes, suffixes, root words, and context clues
Chapters 1-2
George stared morosely at the water. The rims of his eyes were red with sun glare. (4)
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George’s hand remained outstretched imperiously. Slowly, like a terrier who doesn’t want to bring a ball to its
master, Lennie approached, drew back, approached again. (9)
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He stiffened and went into a slight crouch. His glance was at once calculating and pugnacious. (25)
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He said ominously, “Well, he better watch out for Lennie. Lennie ain’t no fighter, but Lennie’s strong and quick
and Lennie don’t know no rules.” (27)
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The old man was reassured. He had drawn a derogatory statement from George. (27)
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She was suddenly apprehensive. “’Bye, boys,” she called into the bunk house, and she hurried away. (32)
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Lennie, who had been following the conversation back and forth with his eyes, smiled complacently at the
compliment. Slim looked approvingly at George for having given the compliment. (34)
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Carlson stepped back to let Slim precede him, and then the two of them went out the door. (36)
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Chapter 3
Although there was evening brightness showing through the windows of the bunk house, inside it was dusk.
Through the open door came the thuds and occasional clangs of a horseshoe game, and now and then the sound
of voices raised in approval or derision. (38)
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Slim neither encouraged nor discouraged him. He just sat back quiet and receptive. (39)
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College Com Arts – 2014
NOTES
When Candy spoke they both jumped as though they had been caught doing something reprehensible. Candy
said, “You know where’s a place like that?” (59)
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George watched him suspiciously. “Well—I could get it for six hundred bucks…” (59)
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George said reverently, “Jesus Christ! I bet we could swing her.” (60)
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Chapter 4
“An’ a guy tol’ me he could put me in pitchers . . . .” She was breathless with indignation. (78)
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For a moment she stood over him as though waiting for him to move so that she could whip at him again; but
Crooks sat perfectly still, his eyes averted, everything that might be hurt drawn in. (81)
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Chapters 5-6
Lennie raised up on his elbow. His face contorted with thought. (91)
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Now Lennie retorted belligerently, “He ain’t neither…” (102)
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Now Lennie retorted belligerently, “He ain’t neither…” (102)
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His voice was monotonous, had no emphasis. “I could get a job an’ not have no mess.” (103)
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Then gradually time awakened again and moved sluggishly on. The horses stamped on the other side
of the feeding racks and the halter chains clinked. (93)
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