Of Mice and Men Book Club Questions for Discussion

John Steinbeck’s unforgettable novel, “Of Mice and Men,” invites you into a world where dreams are fragile and hardships abound.

George, a clever and agile man, finds solace in an unlikely companion: Lennie, a powerful but simple giant. Together, they navigate the harsh realities of California’s migrant worker life, their bond a beacon against loneliness and despair.

This discussion guide will provide you with thought-provoking questions to delve into the heart of Steinbeck’s masterpiece.

Prepare to explore the profound human emotions and intricate themes woven into the fabric of this timeless story.

Of Mice and Men Discussion Questions

• Lennie’s intellectual disability significantly influences the story and his relationship with George. Lennie depends on George for guidance, protection, and companionship because he cannot understand and navigate the world on his own. George acts as a caregiver, providing Lennie with instructions, reprimands, and support. This disability also creates challenges for George, as he constantly worries about Lennie’s actions and their consequences. How does Lennie’s innocence and childlike nature, which elicits empathy and affection from George, create a complex and mutually dependent relationship between them?

• The setting of the book, featuring a warm river nestled between mountains and a lush valley, provides a peaceful and serene escape from the harsh realities of the characters’ lives. This setting offers a temporary respite from the physical and emotional hardships they encounter. Do you think Steinbeck intentionally used this setting to contrast the struggles that George and Lennie face in their daily lives?

• Curley is a small, aggressive man who tries to assert his dominance and control over others. His choice of high-heeled boots and spurs reflects his desire to fake his height and power. Curley’s immediate antagonism towards Lennie stems from Lennie’s larger physical stature, which threatens Curley’s sense of superiority. How does Steinbeck use Curley to illustrate how people try to belittle others to assert their dominance?

• The dream of owning a farm and raising rabbits serves as a powerful source of hope for George, Lennie, and Candy. It represents their shared aspiration for a better life, one where they can escape the hardships of migrant work and find stability, independence, and a sense of belonging. Do you think the dream farm symbolizes their desire for self-sufficiency, freedom from poverty, and control over their destinies?

• The death of Curley’s wife is a pivotal moment that symbolizes the shattering of the dream of the idyllic farm and the inevitability of tragic consequences. Lennie’s actions are driven by his desire, but his innocence and mental limitations prevent him from understanding the consequences. How does this tragedy underscore the theme of the inability to achieve dreams and the harsh realities of a cruel and unforgiving world?

• Crooks, the only Black man on the ranch, experiences racial discrimination and is segregated from the other workers. When Lennie visits him seeking companionship, Crooks initially refuses, highlighting his deep sense of loneliness and his defensive reaction to potential rejection. This demonstrates the isolation experienced by marginalized individuals in society. Do you agree with this interpretation?

• Carlson’s possession of the Luger and his suggestion to put Candy’s old dog out of its misery symbolize mercy killing. The Luger represents the power to end suffering, reflecting the harsh realities faced by the characters. When George steals Carlson’s Luger to spare Lennie from a violent fate, it underscores the theme of compassion and the painful decisions individuals must make in a world where mercy and understanding are scarce. How do these acts highlight the moral dilemmas faced by the characters?

• The theme of dreams and their fragility adds depth to the narrative by showing how dreams serve as motivation and hope for the characters. It highlights the vulnerability of dreams and how easily they can be shattered, reflecting the harsh realities of the Great Depression. Dreams act as a driving force, providing temporary solace, but ultimately reveal the limitations and injustices of the era. How does this theme contribute to the overall narrative?

• The moral dilemma George faces when deciding Lennie’s fate is a significant turning point. George is torn between his loyalty and friendship with Lennie and the recognition that Lennie’s actions have caused immense harm. He understands that Lennie will likely face a brutal death if left to others, especially Curley. What is your take on this ending and George’s decision?

• The novella’s abrupt ending leaves George’s future uncertain. As a reader, you can view his future with both optimism and pessimism. Without Lennie, George might pursue his own goals and dreams, potentially leading a stable life. However, he might also become another transient worker, trapped in loneliness and isolation. What do you think will happen to George? How do you predict his future will unfold?