Chapter 3 By Mickey Nick and Daniel Theme

Chapter 3 By Mickey, Nick and Daniel

Theme The main theme throughout this chapter is relationships. The obvious relationship is the one shared by Lennie and George. Despite Lennie’s mental challenges, George stuck with him. More relationships throughout the story such as Candy, George and Lennie sharing a friendship through the discussion of their dream farm. Although all these relationships aren’t as functional as Lennie and George; Curley and his wife have a stagnant relationship and it is slowly degrading.

Characterisation George: Cautious and aware of his surroundings. Lennie: Child-like and stronger than he knows. Curley: Dangerous, anger issues and chooses to hurt Lennie as he is the “Big guy. ” Curley’s Wife: Flirtatious and unfaithful to her marriage. Whit: Not that important to the story and has no real effect. Carlson: He was just trying to help Candy and his dog. Slim: Cautious, intelligent and friendly.

Events Carlson convinces Candy to let him shoot/euthanize the old dog. This event foreshadows the later death of Lennie by George. (P. 49 -61) Lennie crushes Curley’s hand. (P. 70 -72) Lennie tries to sneak the puppy back into the bunkhouse. (P. 60) This was foreshadowed in chapter 1 when he attempts to keep the dead mouse. Whit, another farm-hand, calls Curley’s wife “a lulu. ” (P. 57)

Quotes [Candy] said miserably, "You seen what they done to my dog tonight? They says he wasn't no good to himself nor nobody else. When they can me here I wisht somebody'd shoot me. But they won't do nothing like that. I won't have no place to go, an' I can't get no more jobs. " (P. 68) This shows how they treat people like old dogs or worse, as soon as they can’t work they either make them suffer or get rid of them. “Got kinda used to each other after a while. ” “He’s a nice fella. ” George explains to slim how Lennie and George have stayed together, even through all the troubles caused by Lennie. And Slim says how he knows he doesn’t mean any harm, he just wants to do the right thing. (P. 45 -48) “What the hell you laughin’ at? ” Curley’s rage can’t be held back anymore and instinctively takes it out on the “Big guy. ”(P. 70)

Setting Chapter 3 is mainly set in the bunkhouse, with men conversing after a day of work. Lennie is petting the puppy out in the barn for a short period of time. “Although there was evening brightness showing through the windows of the bunkhouse, inside it was dusk. ” (P. 43)