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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. What is the river that runs through the story's setting?

2. What does Slim call Lennie in Chapter 3?

3. What proves the boss is not a not a laborer?

4. Who is capable of driving 20 mules with a single line?

5. Who used to be a good boxer?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Where did Lennie and George work before this new job in Chapter 1?

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

4. Why don't George and Lennie go to the ranch the first night?

5. What does Candy say to them when Lennie and George first arrive at the ranch?

6. What does George tell Lennie about the water in Chapter 1?

7. As Lennie and George are walking along as the book begnins, what does George complain about?

8. What happened at the ranch in Weed while George and Lennie worked there?

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

10. What happens when Carlson complains about the smell of Candy's dog?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Lennie kills Curley's wife, he immediately realizes that he has done something wrong. In many legal defenses, that would be proof enough that someone could be tried for a crime, even if they were also mentally challenged. That said, how do you think Lennie would do if he were on trial for this murder? Would he be convicted? Why or why not? What could a lawyer present in his defense?

Essay Topic 2

When Curley attacks Lennie, Lennie doesn't defend himself, even though he is much bigger and stronger. This seems a contradiction as Lennie does appear to have violent tendencies. Why do you think the Lennie didn't defend himself? Should he have fought back? Why or why not? And why did Lennie eventually break Curley's hand?

Essay Topic 3

George tells Lennie where to hide in the brush if they should get into trouble, but he tells him this before they go to the new ranch. What does his mean in terms of Lennie's past? Why does George plan for their escape ahead of time? How many other times do you think Lennie has been in trouble before? Why or why not?

(see the answer keys)

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