Chapter 2 Analysis

(Please take notes on the analysis)

Few comforts-sleep on rough, burlap mattresses, don’t own anything that cannot fit into an apple box, fear of lice and roaches infesting the bunk

Symbolism-the world they live in considers the weak unworthy of protection

Ranch-hand’s world-only the strong survive Slim-drowns 4 of his 9 puppies makes it clear

that there is little room for tolerance for the weak

The ranch represents a society that doesn’t consider the welfare of its weakest member.

Those who hold power use it irresponsibly.

Embodies authority on the ranch Represents the vicious belligerent way

in which social power tends to manifest itself.

He is a foil-a character whose emotions and actions sharply contrast the other characters.

Plagued by self-doubt which causes him to explode violently

Curley’s strength depends on his ability to dominate and defeat those weaker then him.

George and Lennie-feel Curley’s threatening presence and stick closer together than usual.

Friendship is rare but impressive. Slim’s theory- men don’t travel around

together because everyone is scared of everyone else-he appreciates the relationships b/w G. & L.

Want to live peaceful, untroubled lives in the company of other men

Curley’s wife-nameless Socially disempowered Derogatorily assigns women only lowly

functions-caretakers (Aunt Clara) and sex objects

Novel dismisses women altogether from paradise.

Females-trap to ensnare men In the vision of the perfect farm-G. & L.

NEVER mention women or wives. Women portrayed as a temptation

leading man away from his vision of percetion.