Of Mice and Men
As you read, keep the following two points in mind:
1.Realism – A writing style that accurately portrays life. This novel was written to realistically demonstrate events of a certain time period. Therefore, language, actions, and events may at times seem shocking, but they are intended to add to the total effect of Steinbeck’s use of realism.
2. The Great Depression – This story takes place during the 1930’s, an era when many people were very poor (especially the farming/working class) and did what was necessary to survive. This included moving around constantly to wherever work could be found, as do the main characters in this novel. Also, during this time period perceptions about people based on class, race, and male/female roles were different than that of today. Be looking for this throughout the book.
Pages 1-16
1. Which characters do you meet? Give a brief description of them.
2. What is the relationship like between the two men?
3. Where have they come from and where are they going? What are the reasons for their moving?
4. What dreams for the future do the two characters have?
Pages 17-37
5. Write a few sentences describing each of the following characters: Candy, Curley, Slim, Curley’s wife, and Carlson.
6. What does George tell Lennie to do if he gets into trouble? What do you think this may indicate might happen in the future?
Pages 38-65
7. George confides in Slim about Lennie and his past. What does this conversation reveal about George’s personality and his relationship with Lennie?
8. Summarize what happens to Candy’s dog. How does this affect Candy?
9. On page 61, Candy says, “I ought to of shot that dog myself, George. I shouldn’t ought to let no stranger shoot my dog.” Why do you think Candy makes this statement?
10. Many moral and ethical issues are associated with the killing of people or animals in order to end their suffering. What is your perspective on the issue? Could you be the one to end a loved one’s life for the sake of mercy?
11. What plans do George, Lennie, and Candy make?
12. Summarize the incident between Lennie and Curley.
Pages 66-83
13. Who is Crooks and how do the other characters view him?
14. What is the significance of Lennie and Candy entering Crook’s room when all of the other workers go into town? How does Curley’s wife “put them in their place”?
Pages 84-98
15. Think about Lennie’s history with animals and his situation in Weed. How do these events foreshadow what happens in the barn with the puppy and Curley’s wife?
16. Given Lennie’s mental handicap, should he be held legally responsible for what happens to Curley’s wife? Why or why not?
17. Does the scene in the barn change your perception of Curley’s wife? Why or why not?
18. Looking back, we see that Curley’s wife is never given a name. Why is this so? What does this indicate about female social status of that time?
19. After the incident in the barn, Candy and George realize that their dream for the future is ruined. What is it that keeps dreams alive? What causes them to die?
Pages 99-107
20. At the beginning of the section, it appears as if Lennie is hallucinating. Why do you think Steinbeck includes this part in the novel? What is he trying to show the reader?
21. What is your opinion of George’s decision at the end? Was his action right or wrong? How is what happened with Candy’s dog related to George’s action?
The Giver
Chapter 1
1. What one word describes the punishment for an adult citizen who has failed? On what other occasions is this process used?
2. Does your family share “feelings” around the dinner table? Is this a good idea? Does the process seem forced or insincere to you in the novel? Why?
3. Briefly what are the concerns or feelings about each of the four characters?
4. If the word “animal” is used to criticize someone and the children have no real idea of its meaning, what can you infer about this community?
Chapter 2
5. What rule has Father broken? Why does he do so? What other rule is often broken? How are rules changed and how often?
6. Who is the receiver?
7. What is a “comfort object”? What is the significance of Lily’s comfort object being “imaginary”?
Chapter 3
8. Why does Jonas take the apple home? How is he corrected for his mistake? How many people have the same pale eyes as Jonas?
9. Who is Gabriel?
Chapter 4
10. Jonas volunteers at the House of the Old. What do you learn about the Ceremony of Release in this chapter? Does it seem to be positive or negative? Why?
Chapter 5
The pills are take to prevent dreams and “Stirrings.” Jonas is entering the adult world and in this society people take medicine to prevent sexual feelings.
Chapters 6, 7, & 8
11. These chapters deal with the various age ceremonies. What assignment does Asher receive? What about Jonas? What are the five qualities required of him?
Chapter 9
12. Read carefully Jonas’ list of instructions on page 68. What are some of the issues with the rule “You may lie”? Can we always tell the truth? Is lying ever acceptable?
Chapters 10, 11, & 12
13. What is the first memory that Jonas receives from the Giver? How is it “given” to him?
14. Explain the difference between “honor” and “power”. Which would you rather have?
15. What is Climate Control and why were such experiences as cold, hills, and sunshine removed from the community?
16. What is Jonas seeing in the apple, the faces, Fiona’s hair, and the sled? What is Sameness?
Chapters 13 & 14
These chapters deal with Jonas’ growth as a Receiver. He learns about the power of choice, safety, change, blood and death, and pain. He also gives Gabriel a memory to calm him at night. When we have the power to choose and to change, we do risk pain and loss of safety. Write a paragraph in which you discuss the benefits and risks of change and choice.
Chapters 15, 16, & 17
17. Creating a chart, contrast Jonas’ experiences with learning of war and of love using: Location of experience, scene, Jonas’ reaction, Giver’s comments, and Asher & Fiona.
18. Asher and Fiona, and indeed the whole community, lack true feelings. In what ways do feelings and emotions make us true or better humans? Are emotions ever a liability or hindrance?
Chapters 18, 19, & 20
These chapters are the turning point or climax in which Jonas learns the truth about Rosemary and release.
19. Why does he decide to run away? Why does the Giver not go with him?
20. Who was Rosemary (in addition to the new Receiver)?
Chapters 21, 22, & 23
21. What situation causes Jonas to leave and abandon the original plan of escape?
22. What does Jonas find at the top of the hill?
23. Do you think that Jonas and Gabe survive? Give your reasons.
24. What do you think happens to the community? Do they receive the memories? Does the community change?
To Kill a Mockingbird
CHAPTER 1
The opening section seems difficult, but it is filled with gentle humor and commentary on human behavior and especially on Atticus Finch. Please note:
Atticus “practices” law, but very casually
His early earnings went to pay for his brother’s (Uncle Jack) education
Narration is provided by the nine year old Scout
Dill comes the summer Scout is nearly 6 and Jem is 10
Setting is Maycomb, (county and town) Alabama, pre World War II (We have nothing to fear but fear itself)
1. Summarize the legend of the Radley Household. Why is this house subject to scrutiny?
2. What do you think Atticus means when he says, “there were other ways of making people into ghosts”?
3. What do you think of Boo (Arthur) Radley? Why?
4. What does Dill dare Jem to do? Does Jem comply?
CHAPTERS 2 & 3
5. Scout does not have a good first day in school. She unintentionally commits three “crimes” before recess. What are her “crimes”?
6. Miss Caroline is ignorant of the ways and social customs of Maycomb. What mistakes does she make?
1.Walter Cunningham:
2.Burris Ewell:
7. Why did the Ewells not have to go to school?
8. What deal does Atticus make with Scout? How does the word “compromise” fit Atticus and his personality?
9. When is compromise good and when is it bad? What does the expression “Choose your battles wisely ” mean? How do you view yourself in your willingness and ability to compromise?
CHAPTERS 4 & 5
10. Who is Mrs. Dubose and what do the children think of her?
11. What do Scout and Jem find in Radley’s tree?
Another year has passed and Dill comes again
12. What happens to Scout when Jem pushes her in the tire? What does she hear?
13. What is the Radley game?
14. Who is Miss Maudie and what does she think of the Radleys?
15. Why do Dill and Jem want to give Boo a note? How do they plan to do so? What does Atticus tell them when he discovers their plan?
CHAPTERS 6 & 7
16. What happens on the last night of Dill’s summer visit? What happens to Jem’s pants? What does he find when he goes back for them?
17. What does “Matches were dangerous, but cards were fatal” mean?
18. What other objects do Jem and Scout find in the tree? Why do they stop finding objects?
CHAPTERS 8 & 9
19. What happens to Miss Maudie’s house? What is her reaction?
20. Where does Scout get the blanket?
21. Why does Scout nearly get in a fight with Cecil Jacobs? Why does she not fight?
22. Why does Scout hit her cousin Francis? Whose side does Uncle Jack take? Why?
23. Compare Atticus and Uncle Jack in how they deal with Scout.
CHAPTERS 10 & 11
These chapters have two incidents that demonstrate the themes of understanding others by having all the facts and that there is spiritual courage as well as physical courage. What do we learn in each incident:
24. Atticus shoots the mad (rabid) dog:
25. Mrs. Dubose’s illness and death:
26. How do you define “courage”? In what ways have you been courageous? Is fear sometimes a wise emotion? When? What or who helps you to be brave?
CHAPTERS 12-14
These chapters are about relationships.
27. How does Calpurnia act differently in her various situations (church, home, with whites)? Why?
28. How do Aunt Alexandra and Atticus differ in their views?
29. Why does the relationship between Scout and Jem seem to be changing?
30. Why does Dill run away from home and back to Maycomb?
CHAPTERS 15-21
31. Why does the Cunningham mob leave without any violence?
32. What is Mayella’s version of the incident with Tom Robinson?
33. What is Tom’s version?
34. Why is Tom’s handicap critical to proving his innocence?
35. Why do you think the jury finds Tom guilty when his innocence is obvious?
CHAPTERS 22-25
Jem cries after the trial. He is trying to sort out the complicated world: Mr. Raymond’s false drinking to give people a reason; the jury’s decision; Boo Radley’s wanting to stay “shut up” inside; social classes such as the Cunningham’s.
36. What are some of the crazy situations, views, attitudes that you have had to sort out? Realizing that the world is complicated and that everything is not defined or black and white is a part of maturing (like Jem). How do you feel about this?
37. How does the Black community respond to Atticus?
38. What does Bob Ewell do?
39. Tom’s death is likened to the killing of innocent songbirds (mockingbird). Why is this kind of killing particularly cruel and wrong?
CHAPTERS 26-31
Miss Gates does not realize that many in Maycomb are hypocrites or at least do not stop to realize that they have prejudices like Hitler and thus persecute others. Examine your own prejudices and be prepared to discuss them in class.
40. What is Scout’s costume in the play and why is it important?
41. What happens to Jem and Scout on the way home from the pageant and who saves them?
42. Why does Heck Tate say that Bob Ewell fell on his own knife when this is not true?
43. One major theme is to put oneself in other’s shoes and look at life from their perspective. What final perspective does Scout have at the conclusion? Why is this appropriate?
Summer Reading Study Guides:
- Answer ALL questions in the study guide.
- You must answer the questions on separate paper. I prefer typed, but handwritten will suffice.
- These answers will be collected in the first week of the semester, and will constitute a large portion of your grade for the first marking period. The themes and details from these novels will appear several times throughout the course.
- Answering these questions completely and thoughtfully will guide you through the novels and prepare you for the summer reading exam. It is really in your best interests to put time and effort into this assignment.
- Although grammar and spelling will not count against you on this assignment, you should get in the habit of using correct grammar and spelling, as you will be expected to use it throughout the course.
- If you are thinking about reading Sparknotes or Cliff’s Notes instead of reading the novels, your grade will suffer. The test and study guide were specifically designed to show who read the actual novels and who did not. However, these items may be useful aids to help you throughout the novels.