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Of Mice and Men Study Cards
Free English Literature Cards on Flashcard Maker
Explore the themes of dreams, friendship and social inequality in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men with these free English Literature flashcards. Ideal for GCSE English Literature revision.
Question
Who wrote Of Mice and Men and when?
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Answer
John Steinbeck, published in 1937. Set during the Great Depression in California.
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Question
What is the main theme of the novel?
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Answer
The impossibility of the American Dream for the poor and marginalised during the 1930s Depression — the dream of owning land and achieving independence remains out of reach.
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Question
What is the significance of George and Lennie's friendship?
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Answer
Their relationship is unusual — most ranch hands are solitary. It represents loyalty, companionship, and interdependence. George protects and directs Lennie; Lennie gives George purpose and hope.
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Question
How is Lennie Small presented?
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Answer
A large, physically powerful man with a mental disability — childlike, gentle, and devoted to George. His inability to control his strength makes him dangerous despite his innocence. Represents vulnerability.
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Question
What is the dream of the farm?
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Answer
George and Lennie dream of owning their own land where they can "live off the fatta the lan'" and Lennie can tend rabbits. It represents freedom, security, and self-determination — ultimately destroyed.
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Question
How does Steinbeck present Curley's wife?
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Answer
She is never given a name — defined only by her husband. Lonely, trapped, and dismissed as a "tart." Steinbeck presents her with sympathy: she too has a lost dream of being a movie star. Her loneliness drives her to seek company.
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Question
What is the significance of Curley's wife's death?
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Answer
Lennie accidentally breaks her neck — mirroring his earlier killing of small animals. Her death destroys the dream of the farm and seals Lennie's fate. It also reveals the tragic consequences of loneliness and isolation.
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Question
How is Crooks presented?
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Answer
The Black stable hand, isolated from others because of racism — forced to sleep alone in the barn. He is bitter but intelligent and briefly allows himself to share in the dream before cynically rejecting it.
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Question
How is Candy presented and what does he represent?
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Answer
An old, one-handed ranch hand facing redundancy. His old dog's killing foreshadows Lennie's death. He joins the dream, offering his savings — representing those discarded by society when they are no longer useful.
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Question
What is the significance of Slim?
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Answer
He is the voice of reason and moral authority on the ranch — respected, calm, and perceptive. He understands George's dilemma at the end and validates George's decision to shoot Lennie.
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