1. Reflect on the following quotation: "There was a gravity in his manner and a quiet so profound that all talk stopped when he spoke. His authority was so great that his word was taken on any subject, be it politics or love. . . His ear heard more than was said to him and his slow speech had overtones not of thought, but of understanding beyond thought." Who does this describe? What does it reveal about his character? Why is it important?
2. How did George treat Lennie when they were younger? What made him change?
3. Analyze the scene with Candy's dog. What does it reveal about the characters (Candy, Carlson, Slim)? What do you think should have happened?
4. Why does George keep Lennie around if he always gets them in trouble? We know that George takes care of Lennie, but what does Lennie do for George? How does he help George?