Of Mice and Men: Essay Topics
Chapter 1
1. George and Lennie are obviously committed to each other, yet they often criticize each
other or threaten to leave. Examine the negative aspects of this relationship, and then
consider why they stay together in spite of all of this. Contrast the language of each, their
threats and complaints, with what they really feel. What is it that so strongly binds these
two together?
2. Write a character profile of Lennie and George. In addition to describing their physical
characteristics, focus on their personalities, their hopes, and their dreams. How is each
character different, and how do they complement each other?
Chapter 2
1. It seems very unusual for two people in this work, which presents the reader a real
slice of life, to have established companions. Consider the pairs presented in this chapter:
George and Lennie, Curley and his wife, Candy and his dog. Discuss the relationships
involved in the various pairings. What is the basis for each relationship? What are the
positive and negative aspects of each?
2. Steinbeck paints a picture of life on the ranch through his characterization, giving the
reader important information about them. Compile a list of characters presented by
Steinbeck in this chapter and describe the qualities of each. What do the details tell you
about each of them? What, in your opinion, does each character represent and why?
Chapter 3
1. Trace the parallels that are developed between Candy and his dog and George and his
companion. Consider the amount of time they have spent together, the way they view the
limitations of their companions, the way they defend their companions, and any other
points of similarity you see.
2. George and Lennie’s plan to buy a ranch in the first chapter is nothing more than an
unattainable dream. How does it become a more concrete plan in the second chapter, and
what is the role that Candy plays in taking this dream closer to reality?
Chapter 4
1. Several characters have suggested a need to have a companion or just a person who
will listen. What evidence is given here that this is a strong desire of many of the
characters? Consider, too, the effect that having a companion gives to Candy and Crooks
as they confront Curley’s wife.
2. Crooks, Lennie, Candy, and Curley’s wife are lonely people with specific needs.
Compare the four characters and discuss what they need and want to end their respective
feelings of loneliness.
Chapter 5
1. After Candy has brought George to the barn to show him Curley’s wife, George leaves
and Candy cries. What is the true source of Candy’s sadness and why? Compare the
killing of Curley’s wife to the night Candy’s old dog was shot and killed by Carlson.
2. Death is the beginning and the culminating event in the chapter, but the killing of
Curley’s wife is regarded with a lack of emotion by the characters, even less than the
killing of the puppy or the shooting of Candy’s dog earlier in the book. Why do you think
this is so? Why is the moral issue of her murder, the question of right and wrong, never
really an issue when Curley’s wife’s body is discovered by the men?
Chapter 6
1. When George shoots Lennie, is this a sign of the strength of his love or the weakness
of his love for Lennie? Has he finally followed through on the threat to abandon Lennie?
Why does he shoot Lennie in the middle of their imagining the farm one last time?
2. Murder is a crime, in some states punishable by death. By all definitions, George plans
and carries out the murder of his best friend. But there seems to be no concern for taking
a human life. Why do you think this is so? When, if anytime, do you think it would be
justified?