1. Discuss and reflect on the scene where Lennie kills Curley’s wife. Use the following questions to help you focus and think of topics to write on. Why does he kill her? Was it truly an accident? What happened just before the scene that prepares the reader to accept that Lennie could accidentally kill a human? Can he be held responsible? Do you think he could do something like this again? Explain. If so, what should be done to control him? Would Lennie be able to survive in jail? Why or why not? Has your opinion of Lennie changed? Did George do the right thing at the end of the story? Why? If not, what do you think George should have done about Lennie? What is his responsibility? Explain.

2. What is going on in the scene where Lennie starts talking to “gigantic rabbit?” What does this scene reveal about Lennie?

3. What story does George tell Lennie just before he kills him? Why does he do this?

4. If you have time, list and explain a few of the central themes of the novel.