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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Chapter 2, what does George say he will find out?

2. Who kills the dog that stinks?

3. Whose dog gave birth to nine puppies?

4. What is Lennie doing when he comes into the bunkhouse in Chapter 3?

5. What mountains are visible in the area in Chapter 1?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Lennie not smart, according to George when he talks to the boss?

2. What does Lennie have in his pocket in Chapter 1?

3. What disturbs George when he looks at his bed's box shelf?

4. How does Candy describe the boss at the ranch?

5. How does George respond when the boss asks them why they were late getting to their job in Chapter 2?

6. Describe the character of Lennie in the first scene of the novel.

7. What does Lennie do when he brings the puppy back to the bunkhouse? What does George do?

8. How could Lennie's mental state be described?

9. Describe the area of Soledad, California.

10. What does George say to Slim in confidence in Chapter 3?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Crooks is an interesting character who keeps to himself and even has his own room. But while this seems like a privilege, we find out that it's because he's black. When you see the interaction between Crooks and the other workers, does it seem as though they would have a problem with his race? Why or why not? Does this group seem as though they could all live together? Why or why not? Why do you think Steinbeck kept everyone living separately?

Essay Topic 2

Soledad, California is the setting of this story, and the background seems to be as much a character as the humans who take part in the action. Why do you think that Steinbeck chose this setting for the story? How does the story help or hurt the characters?

Essay Topic 3

George and Lennie have been talking about their dream for a while when George finally realizes that it could actually come true. But in the end, it doesn't. Do you think that their dream was ever going to come true? Do you think that George ever really believed it would come true? Why or why not?

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