Please choose one of the following questions to answer. Please be as thorough as possible in your answer. You then must respond to at least of your classmates in order to demonstrate that you have read their posts.
1. What is the setting of the novel and what specific details does Steinbeck give his readers? Why do you think he focuses on these details? What mood or sentiments (feelings) is he trying to portray in his characterization of the place where the story begins? If you were directing it as a play and only could afford a few props, which do you think would be absolutely essential? Why? What do they portray, represent, or accomplish in the section?
2. Choose two specific quotations, descriptions or actions involving or regarding Lennie and tell me how they show his character. Then, choose two specific quotations, descriptions or actions that involve or regard George and tell me how they show his character. Based on this section, why do you think are friends. What makes the friendship work?
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The setting of the novel is, San Francisco in the Salinas Valley of California. Kinda in the Great Depression maybe. Steinbeck shows this by describing the area where the characters are at throughout the chapter. I think he focuses on these details because, he wants to give a general idea of how it is right now, because it could also play a big part/role in the story. The author tries to portray that the living condition is ok, but it could be better. I would say the water that is described to show what its was like.
George and Lennie are very diferent. But they're friends because they in a sense complete each other. Neither of them could really make it by themselves, George is too weak and Lennie is too stupid, but together they can use the best parts of each other to make up for the shortcomings of the other. Their friendship works because Lennie probably wouldn't know or care that George was using him for his strength and George might feel bad for Lennie.
George constantly reminds Lennie about how to act around others and what not to do. He specifically tells him not to talk in front of their new boss so the new boss wouldn't know that Lennie isn't as smart. This shows that he's clever, maybe dishonest, and desperate to get a job. Lennie acts like George's 7-year old son, Lennie has to discipline him and tell him to get rid of a dead mouse Lennie was carrying because he liked to pet it in his pocket. Lennie is also very sensitive and confused about why George is frustrated with him because he starts crying when George shouts at him for being stupid.
The setting of the novel, "Of Mice and Men" occurs during the winter in California by the Salinas river during the great depression when many people were searching for work. John Steinbeck gives specific details about the deep river filled with warm water. On one side is the Gabilan Mountains and on the valley side there are trees such as willows and sycamores. He also talks about the sand banks by the water and the sound of the crisp leaves being crunched. This sets the mood as a peaceful beautiful place to be. If I were making this book into a play I would use the clear river and the trees that surround it as props because this is where the story mainly takes place at the beginning of the story and because the river is very important to the plot. George and Lennie are to follow the river down to where they are going to try to get employed. These items also accomplish the feeling of the beauty of the area and also where George and Lennie have to stay when they are travailing trying to find a job.
Julia, i think you are absolutely right when you say they are a good pair and use the best parts of each other to fix their own problems. One good example you could have mentioned to explain this was when George was explaining how most guys have no family and are lonely. Then explain how George says "But not us,". (Steinbeck 14)
The setting of this novel is durring the great deppresion. Some ways you can find this out, is that these two men are wandering to farm to farm and they don't have much. He foucus on these details because it is setting the mood for the rest of the stiry and he is trying to tell the reader more about the the characters are going through. The mood he is trying to show is that the place they are at is calm quiet, there is many natural things, and that it is a safe area to be in. If i was directing the play for thus book I would deffinetly buy the bursh. This would be the most important thing I think because at the end of the first chapter George tells Lennie that if he evr gets in trouble hid in this brush. This is important because he is protraying something that will happen in the future.
Marina I agree when you said that this was being taken place during the great depression. I think that it is during the great depression because back then many people didn't have homes or jobs.
the setting of this novel takes place durring the great depression in california at a time in which many people were out of job and looking for others. steinbeck shows specific details when decsribing the salina's river. he does this to make the mood of the begining of the book a verry calm and sentimental mood so that the reader can learn more about the characters and how the book flows. if i were directing a movie/play of this book i would try to set up a stage like or find a nice, clean, safe area right by a clear beautiful flowing river because so far that is where the story takes place.
marina the only thing that you should have said is that it wasnt kinda mabey the great depression but it was the great depression
Although they are very different, Lennie and George understand and help each other and this keeps their friendship going through their adventure. Their goal is to own a couple acres of land and a little house that they can call their own. George, a “small and quick man, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features”, is the person who keeps the two going. George, obviously is the smartest out of the two. He is the person who keeps the “family” going. Lennie, on the other hand, “a huge man, shapeless of face, with large pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders”, can’t do anything, he is too stupid and doesn’t know how to act in any situation. That is why, when they go to meet the boss, George orders Lennie not to talk, because whatever he would saw would jeopardize them from getting a job, therefore, blowing their dream. Lennie, is also very sensitive. He recognizes the fact that he isn’t that smart but when George yells at him and tells him that he is stupid, he is offended greatly and even starts crying. That is why, Lennie, although he doesn’t mean to kill them, keeps a dead mouse in his pocket, so that from time to time, he can pet it and it keeps him company. George, also, feels bad for Lennie. Without one another, they could not make it by themselves. George is too weak, by himself and Lennie is too stupid and couldn't do anything by himself without some help. That is exactly why they are a perfect family and work great together. George is small/weak, but smart and Lennie is strong/big, but stupid.
Julia, I agree with mostly everything that you said, except for the fact that Lennie is obviously stupid, but in some situations, he knows he could do something smart, just doesn't do it, because he doesn't know if it's right or wrong. Also, that is why Lennie always turns to George when he doesn't know what he should answer to someone so that he doesn't blow them getting a job.
The setting of the story is in rural San Francisco in the Salinas Valley. Steinbeck focusses on that one main area with the trees and the river. He says that on one side of the river there are beautiful trees and on the other side there are mountains. I think that this is going to be important in the story and that the river will act as a divider of some sort. I think that he focuses on the details becasue he wants to set the mood of the story. The mood that he is trying to set is a peaceful, laid back mood that does not involve big cities and things of that sort. If I was running the play and I could only afford a few props, I'd make sure to get a river, mountains, beautiful willow trees, a path, and a little pool of water because I think that all of these props set the mood of the story. I think that the river represents a dividing line of some sort, the mountains represent a side of life that is not so peaceful, the willows represent a peaceful side of life, the path represents how you get to those lifestyles, and the little pool of water represents where you can go if you are lost.
Marina- i think that instead of the author trying to portray what the living conditions are, he is trying to set a calm mood so that the characters can be understood fully. Other than that I agree with whatever you said
Not to sound repetitive, but I also think that this story takes place during the great depression, and Steinbeck tells us that it is in the Salinas Valley. Steinbeck deeply describes the physical setting of the story. For example he says, "On one side of the river the golden foothills slopes curve up to the strong and rocky Gabilan mountains, but on the valley side the water is lined with trees-willows fresh and green with every spring, carrying in their lower leaf junctures..." In that paragraph the author really helps to show us that it is a nice, peaceful place, and he is trying to show that the mood is happy. If I was directing a play I would make sure the George and Lennie had their denim jeans and their blanket rolls because this signifies that they are ranchers and men that are in the working class with not a lot of money.
Austin if I could use other props they would definitely use a clear river and trees beacause that is where they are sleeping for the night and they are following the river to the ranch.
The setting of the novel is in rural California. The beginning of the story takes place at the base of the golden foothill slope. Located at the base is a riverbed surrounded by beautiful scenery. The mood portrayed is a content, laid back, and relaxed mood. If I were directing a play and could only afford a few props I would get a few trees and the river or basically all the scenery because the scenery is what portrays the calm and happy mood that you take from the novel so far.
-Sam Hammer
The setting of the story is, San Francisco in the Salinas Valley. Near a place called Soledad. He shows that it is a rural area with a lot of farms. He is trying to show that these are migrant workers working blue collar jobs in hard economic times. It is a rough and gloomy feeling. Trees and plants. They show that it is in a rural area and that these are quiet hard times.
-Sam Hammer
Marina I agree with you. I think it is in the Depression era. He shows that things are quiet and not as happy as they once were or will be.
In this story it takes place in San Francisco in the Salinas Valley. It is occuring during the season winter and during the great depression, where many people loose money and a lot don't have jobs. It describes a river with trees and mountains. It shows its in a country area. I think he gives these details because the setting may be a very important role in this story.
In this story it takes place in San Francisco in the Salinas Valley. It is occuring during the season winter and during the great depression, where many people loose money and a lot don't have jobs. It describes a river with trees and mountains. It shows its in a country area. I think he gives these details because the setting may be a very important role in this story. The moos of this story is very calm and relaxed.
Marina- I agree with you when you said these parts he descirbed with detail may be a big role in the story later on. It is a very good reason for why he describes these.
The setting is a few miles south of Soledad, near a hillside, close to a river. He focuses on these details because he wants us to get a good feel of where George and Lenny are, and because they might be important for a part later in the story. These details make the mood happy because when he describes all of the surroundings, he makes it seem beautiful and peaceful. If I were directing it as a play, I would buy the brush, because it is used many times, and trees, a river (blue fabric), a bonfire, and mountains, because these props set the mood of the story.
Julia- I agree with you that Lenny and George make up for each other's weak aspects. However, when you describe George you left out that he has a soft spot for Lenny. For example, before dinner, Lenny asks George to tell him the story about their future, and he does so without arguing.
This story takes place near Soledad, in San Francisco. John Steinbeck informs us that George and Lennie have accents, as they do not say or spell words correctly. So far, the whole mood setting in the story seems to be very dull and gloomy. George and Lennie are two very different people, in their appearence and personalities. As Marina said, this seems to be in the Great Depression era. Nobody seems to be joyful or happy. If I was directing a play on this book, the pool would be a key object to have as a prop. the story started off with George and Lennie at the pool, and they seem to be very interested in it. I would also use the mouse as a prop, because the mouse was like a second best friend to Lennie. He loved to play with it, and then accidentaly kill it. In this first chapter, these two objects would be essential to have if you were making a play.
this novel takes place in san francisco in salinas valley of california. this story takes place during the great depression. this was a time when people couldn't get there money and everyone went to grt there money at the same time. after that the banks ran out of money and the country became broke. in the beginning or this book the author describes the scenery to be beautiful and peaceful and calm. during this time it was hard for many many people and i think he wanted to start off nice before he begins to tell us about the horrible stuff that happened during this time and the tipe of jjobs that people had to deal with.
eric, i completely agree with you because i believe that the author would want to start the book in a calm nice way because he is talking about people who lived during the depression
Julia:
I totally agree with you when you said that Lennie is sensitive. George always seems to yell at him when he is not doing things right. BY George doing this, it makes Lennie look like a fool. It makes him feel unintelligent and unwanted.
The setting of the story is in San Fransico during the Great Depestion. The charactors at the Salinas river. Steinbeck pays very close attention to the setting letting the reader now what the area George and Lennie are in. He describers the water as a murkey not moving water giving you the idea of the time period the story takes place. He description of the water says that it is not a clear time, so no one knows whats going to happen. The not moving part means that nothing is moving no one spending anything and no jobs. If I had to use a few props in a play I would use a mouse and murkey water. These things show what is happening to people in this time in America.
Julia- I think that both charactors complete each other but i dont think lennie disaplines himself. Also I think that Lennie isnt always stupid like when he got George on the ropes at the end of the chapter while Lennie is crying he uses George's simpatie to have him get what Lennie wants.
Two quotes that show George's personality are "I ain't takin' it awayjus' for meanness. That mouse ain't fresh, Lennie; and because, you've broke it pettin' it. You get another mouse thats fresh and I'll let you keep it a little while." the second quote is "I got you! You can't keep a job and you lose me ever' job I get". The quotes show that George likes Lennie but he gets frustrated with him a lot because he forgets things and acts like a child.
Two quotes that show Lennie's personality are "I was only foolin', George. I don't want no ketchup. I wouldn't eat no ketchup if it was right here beside me". and the secong quote is "I wasn't doin' nothing bad with it, George. Jus' strokin' it". These quotes show that Lennie is childish and always wants to please George.
Julia-
I agree with you that their friendship benefits both of them. Even though George often loses his patience with Lennie he really likes him and they have a strong friendship.
Kent Byrd
The story Of Mice and Men is set in the era of the great depression. The story tells of two men who are trying to find work in the Salinas Valley. The author is trying to portray a mood of hope, but at the same time desperation. He want to show that the two men, George and Lennie, want to start over again, and are optimistic of the job to come. I think that two key props to have would be a mouse, to show the control that George has over Lennie; and two job tickets to represent the hope in the two mens lives. I am excited to read more into the story.
Like many others have said, I also think that the this story takes place during the Great Depression. Many people are trying to find work that pay just enough so they can get by in life. The main setting of the story takes place in the Salinas River area, and I noticed that the key descripters of this location is deep and green. John Steenbeck also desribes how the "golden foothill slopes curve up the strong and rokcy Gabilan mountains...." I think that this beautiful quote is descriping how flowy and curvy the plains and mountains can be, yet they can still be as strong and powerful as the moutains that they truly are. The word golden helps the reader to think of a happy, calm/composed mood to the story, along with the words "curve" and "slope." Those words bring a tranquil feeling to the story. If I was directing the play, I would be sure to add in more curving mountains and deep blue and green scenery to help set the mood for the meaning of the play.
where is the blog for today?
the question is not here?????
from noah:
i think that since they describe george as "small and quick, with restless eyes and sharp, strong features." (p.2) i think this portrays him as being quick and wary, as if he was on the watchout for something always, as is he was a cauitios parent, in a way. i think that in the description of lenny, "a huge man, shapless of face, with large, pale eyes, with wide, sloping shoulders, and he walked heavily, dragging his feet a little, the way a bear drags his paws." (p.2), they portray him as the child, that is unaware of his surrondings. i think that the relationship between lenny and george is father and son because in many ways lenny looks up to and respects george as a father. "if you want me to go, you only got to say so." (p.13) this shows more than it seems, because in the beginning of the phrase, he says if you want me, like george makes all the decisions, like an adult. i also think that george is the adult, so to speak, in the relationship, because when he catches lenny with the mouse, it very much resembles when a parent has found a child with something they should not have. "lenny reluctantley reached into his pocket." (p.9). this proves that george is the adult because lenny did not have to do anything that george told him too, but he did because he respects gorge as the adult.
julia, i agree with your thought that lenny has to have george as the smart one because he cannot think for himself, but i think your wrong when you say that george depends on lenny for strength. i think it is more like george just taking care of lenny, like a parent and child.
ben
the setting is a place where it is sunny nd by a river and very peaceful. both george and lenny need this etting becasue with lenny being like a child he needs a place to relax and for george to reflect upon himself. they both relly siut this setting becuse it helps them be friends, because it is a common place where they both like it and can share the same enjoyablity
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