Estimated Time: 30 minutes

Questions to Ponder

Discuss with your parent or at least think about each of these questions from your reading this week.

1. The reader infers fairly quickly that Lennie has a mental disability and that George is taking care of him. What are the consequences for both George and Lennie of George making that choice? What would be the consequences for each of them if George didn't look after Lennie?
2. George and Lennie discuss a joint dream they have about having their own place and what it will mean for them. What do you think this represents in this story and in this time period of the Great Depression?
3. In Chapter 2 more characters are introduced including Candy, the Boss, Curly, Curly's wife, and Slim. Describe each character in your own words. Add a drawing to 2 or 3 of your character descriptions.
4. In Chapter 3 George let it slip that Lennie got into trouble while they were in Weed. Why do you think he felt comfortable telling Slim what happened?
5. Slim agrees with Carlson about Candy's dog saying he would want to be shot if he was old and feeble. What do you think this shows about the attitudes of those on the ranch and during this time period?
6. When Candy hears about George and Lennie's dream of their own place he offers to chip in his $350 and sign over his rights upon his death. Why?

Freewriting

After you have pondered and discussed these questions with your teacher, choose one to complete a freewrite on. If you are unfamiliar with freewriting, here are a few tips:

• Keep your pencil moving. Don’t stop. Just brain dump onto your paper
• Have a set amount of time. Set a timer and write for the full amount of time.
• Ignore all grammar and spelling. Don’t let editing slow down the process. The goal is to get thoughts on paper. Spelling and grammar are not important in this instance.
• Pen and paper aren’t the only ways to freewrite. Feel free to type on the computer. Not only does this accomplish the task, but it builds typing skills.