“Of Mice and Men”

Questions from Past Papers

1. To what extent is “Of Mice and Men” a novel of protest?

2. Is “Of Mice and Men” a pessimistic novel?

3. What contribution does Slim make to “Of Mice and Men”?

4. How is the American Dram, the idea that everyone can achieve their fortune, presented in the novel?

5. Which character do you feel most sympathy for in “Of Mice and Men”?

6. What do we learn about the need for companionship from this novel?

7. In “Of Mice and Men” the characters are more interesting than the events. Do you agree?

8. How does the way of life led by the characters affect the events of the story?

9. Apart from George, which characters in the novel do you feel have the most influence over what happens to Lennie?

10. Is Slim the only character to be admired?

11. In what ways do you think Slim and Candy add interest to the novel?

12. How important to the story are the various settings. You should refer to at least two settings in your answer.

13. Examine the importance of Curley and Curley’s wife in the novel.

14. Why, in your opinion does George look after Lennie? Do you think he looks after him well throughout the whole of the novel?

15. Hopes and dreams help people to survive, even if they never become real. How true is this for the characters in “Of Mice and Men”?

16. Look at the last one and a half pages of the novel. How does this ending emphasise the relationship between Lennie and George?

17. How important is Curley’s wife to the story?

18. Discuss, by close reference to at least three events, Steinbeck’s ability to create tension and atmosphere.

19. For which character do you feel most sympathy?

20. What do you consider to be the main themes in “Of Mice and Men”? 21. “Of Mice and Men” is a pessimistic novel that offers no hope?