Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis
Summary
It is morning at the ranch where Lennie and George have come to work. An old man named Candy leads them to the bunkhouse where they will stay. Lennie remains silent as George asks Candy about the condition of the bunkhouse and the nature of the boss. Candy diplomatically states that the boss “gets pretty mad sometimes, but he’s pretty nice.” At Christmas, for example, the boss gave the ranch workers a gallon of whiskey to share. Even Crooks, the black stable worker who is generally segregated from the white workers, was allowed to join the party.
Moments later, the boss enters. George introduces himself and Lennie. The boss directs several questions at Lennie, but George answers each one. “Why don’t you let him answer?” the boss asks suspiciously. “What you trying to put over?” He muses aloud that the relationship between George and Lennie seems odd, declaring that he’s never seen one man “take so much trouble for another guy.” George lies and says that Lennie is his cousin. He also lies about the reason the two of them left their previous employer in Weed. The boss tells George and Lennie that they are to work with a man named Slim.
When the boss leaves, George and Lennie speak freely about the lies George told to the boss. Abruptly, they notice Candy in the room. Beside Candy is a blind, lame dog. “That’s a hell of an old dog,” George remarks.
Curley, a slight young man dressed in high-heeled boots and one black glove, enters the bunkhouse. He is the boss’s son. Like his father, Curley takes note of Lennie’s silence and harasses him for it. He warns Lennie to “answer when you’re spoke to” next time and promptly leaves. Candy, a witness to the exchange, explains that Curley is insecure due to his small stature: “He hates big guys. He’s alla time picking scraps with big guys.”
George sits down at a table to play solitaire. He converses further with Candy, who reveals that Curley was married a few weeks ago and that his wife is a “tart” with a roving eye. The men conclude that Curley’s wife’s promiscuity has made him insecure.
George worries aloud that Lennie will clash with Curley. “I hate that kinda bastard,” he says, reminding Lennie that if trouble occurs, he should hide in the brush by the river until George comes for him.
Curley’s wife enters the bunkhouse. She wears thick makeup and red ostrich feathers, and her hair is heavily styled. She claims she is looking for her husband, and she twists her body in a suggestive manner as she speaks to the men. As they converse with Curley’s wife, Slim enters the bunkhouse and disappears into the washroom. Curley’s wife leaves.
“Gosh, she was purty,” Lennie remarks. George warns Lennie to “leave her be.” He fears that trouble may arise between Lennie and Curley’s wife. Lennie grows upset at the admonishment. He says he doesn’t like the ranch and wants to leave. George responds that he doesn’t like it either but that they should earn at least a few dollars before moving on.
Slim emerges from the washroom and greets George and Lennie warmly. He is a tall and majestic man with a gentle voice. George introduces himself and Lennie, explaining that his traveling companion “ain’t bright” but is a good worker.
A man named Carlson steps into the bunkhouse and asks Slim how his dog’s newborn pups are doing. Slim says there were nine of them but that he drowned four, because the mother dog couldn’t handle the entire litter. Carlson suggests that Candy shoot his decrepit dog and take one of Slim’s dog’s pups. He complains about Candy’s dog, saying, “I can smell that dog a mile away. Got no teeth, damn near blind, can’t eat.”
The conversation is interrupted by the dinner bell, but Lennie is fixated on the pups, and his eyes are full of excitement. Without discussing it outright, George knows what Lennie is thinking: he’d like one of Slim’s pups. George says, “I heard him, Lennie. I’ll ask him.” To this, Lennie replies, “A brown and white one.”
Curley steps into the bunkhouse once more. He is searching for his wife, but none of them know where she is. A dinner bell clangs in the distance, and as the men depart for supper, Candy’s grizzled old dog walks into the bunkhouse and settles down.
Analysis
Whereas chapter 1 is set on a sprawling riverbank with just two characters, chapter 2 is set in a sparse bunkhouse with multiple characters. The change in scenery, from calm landscape to bustling ranch, mirrors the change in circumstance for Lennie and George. The men are no longer free to roam. They are trapped within the confines of work and human expectations.
Steinbeck introduces several significant characters in chapter 2. These characters possess varying amounts of personal power. Some use their power judiciously; others do not. By the end of the chapter, each man’s degree of agency in life is apparent.
Candy is a man with limited power. He lost one of his hands in a ranch accident, and his feeble pet dog is his only companion. Both Candy and his dog have been beaten down by life, and neither has control over his circumstance. The relationship between Candy and his dog is unstable because the dog clearly doesn’t have long to live.
The boss and his son, Curley, are cocky and confident characters. Both men question the relationship between Lennie and George, suspicious as they are of the notion that two men would choose to be traveling companions. The boss doesn’t appear to have a companion of any kind, but Curley has a wife. Somewhat like Candy’s relationship with the dog, Curley’s relationship with his wife appears to be tenuous.
In Curley’s presence, George develops a sense of dread. He warns Lennie not to “tangle” with Curley, because Curley could easily have them fired. As the boss’s son, Curley wields a dangerous amount of power over the two men, and his presence emphasizes the book’s recurrent theme of struggles with power and powerlessness.
Slim is a wise and compassionate character who commands respect from the men in the bunkhouse. His power stems from within and is reflected in his quiet self-confidence. Rather than wielding his power over George and Lennie, Slim graciously extends kindness and respect to the men. Steinbeck writes that Slim looks “through George and beyond him” when they first meet. This is indicative of Slim’s wise and perceptive nature.
Unlike the boss and Curley, Slim does not judge the relationship between Lennie and George. He accepts it, saying, “Ain’t many guys travel around together. I don’t know why. Maybe ever’body in the whole damn world is scared of each other.” Slim does not appear to have a companion of his own. As George and Slim become acquainted, a friendship appears to be forming between them.
Carlson is a worker in the bunkhouse who shares several similarities with Slim. Both are confident men, and neither appears to have a companion. The conversation they have about dogs, however, reveals a disparity in the ways the two men wield power. Carlson, disgusted by the bad smell of Candy’s dog, suggests that Candy shoot and kill the animal. He has no qualms about exerting his power over a weaker creature, and his motivation appears to be self-serving: he is tired of smelling the dog. Slim, concerned for the wellbeing of his own dog, who recently birthed nine pups, drowned four of the pups so the mother would have an easier time handling the litter. Slim is also comfortable exerting his power over weaker creatures, but his motivation is arguably more selfless: he wants to help the mother dog succeed. The approach each man takes to dealing with animals highlights a theme frequently visited by Steinbeck: the relationship between power and compassion.
Expert Q&A
In Of Mice and Men, what does Chapter 2 reveal about the stable buck?
Chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men reveals that the stable buck, Crooks, is an educated, non-transient African-American who is often victimized due to his race. He lives in isolation and is not allowed to socialize with others. Despite suffering from a crooked back due to a horse kick, he reads extensively and is indifferent to the boss's anger. He experiences racial slurs and unfair treatment, yet is described as a "pretty nice fella".
Which pages mention Candy being one-handed in Of Mice and Men?
In "Of Mice and Men", Candy's one-handed condition is mentioned twice. The first reference is in Chapter 2, fourth paragraph (Page 18 of the Penguin edition), where his handless arm is described. The second mention is in Chapter 3, third paragraph on page 60, showing Candy nervously scratching his wrist stump. These descriptions underpin his anxiety about losing his job and his eagerness to join George and Lennie's dream of owning a place.
Who is Slim in "Of Mice and Men" and how is he described in chapter 2?
In "Of Mice and Men", Slim is a respected figure on the ranch, esteemed for his skill as a "jerkline skinner" and his authoritative yet kind demeanor. Physically, he is tall and strong, with an "ageless" face and delicate, dexterous hands. Slim's character is marked by a profound quietude, his words carry weight among the ranch workers, and he displays a non-judgmental and empathetic nature, making him a confidante to George.
What reasons does Carlson give for wanting to shoot Candy's dog?
Carlson wants to shoot Candy's dog because it is old, can hardly walk, and has a strong, lingering smell. He sees the dog as a nuisance and believes it is better to put it out of its misery. Additionally, the dog symbolizes the fears of becoming useless and a burden, prevalent during the Great Depression, as illustrated in Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men.
What is the major conflict in chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men?
In Of Mice and Men, a major conflict in chapter 2 occurs between the boss, George, and Lennie as a result of their late arrival. There is also a lesser conflict between George and Lennie, which adds to the tense atmosphere in this chapter.
Based on Chapter 2, what is your impression of Curley's wife?
In Chapter 2, Curley's wife is portrayed as a source of trouble and a potential threat. She is depicted as flirtatious and attention-seeking, which makes the men wary of her. Her character is seen as lonely and trapped in an unsatisfying life, with dreams of fame that seem out of reach. The narrative suggests she is a "tart," emphasizing her dangerous allure. Steinbeck's choice not to name her underscores her tragic role as a misfit.
What does "the eye" mean when the old man refers to Curley's wife in Of Mice and Men?
When the old man refers to Curley's wife giving "the eye" in Of Mice and Men, it implies she is flirtatious and seeking attention from the men on the ranch. This behavior makes the men, including Candy, suspicious of her intentions, viewing her as a potential source of trouble. George, aware of the tension her presence causes, warns Lennie to stay away from her, fearing Curley's jealousy and the trouble it might bring.
In chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men, what does the swamper mean when he says, "Curley's pretty handy"?
When the swamper says Curley is "pretty handy," he means Curley is a skilled fighter. Curley is described as pugnacious and is a lightweight boxer who reached the Golden Gloves final. Despite his small stature, Curley enjoys picking fights, particularly with larger men, to prove his toughness, which foreshadows his conflict with Lennie in the novel.
Why does George tell the boss in Chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men that Lennie is his cousin and was kicked by a horse?
In Chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men, George tells the boss that Lennie is his cousin and was kicked by a horse to protect Lennie from Curley's aggression and suspicion. George's lies make their companionship seem less unusual and Lennie's mental disability less apparent, increasing their chances of employment. By fabricating a kinship and physical injury, George deflects potential conflict and safeguards their friendship, which is vital to their survival as migrant ranch workers.
Describe Curley's personality in Chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men.
Curley is portrayed as angry, arrogant, and confrontational in Chapter 2. He has a chip on his shoulder, likely due to his short stature, and is confident due to being the boss's son. Curley is quick to assert dominance, showing aggression towards George and Lennie. He is also a lightweight boxer, which adds to his pugnacious nature. Curley's attitude is partly driven by a need to prove himself, especially after his recent marriage.
Who are the two people at the ranch that George is worried about at the end of Chapter 2 in Of Mice and Men and why?
At the end of Chapter 2, George is worried about Curley and Curley's wife. Curley is aggressive and dislikes Lennie, which could lead to conflict. Curley's wife, who flirts with the workers, particularly catches Lennie's attention, reminding George of past troubles. George fears these interactions could lead to problems, and his concerns are justified as both characters later contribute to Lennie's downfall.
What does George mean when he says "Curley's got his work ahead of him" and why does he call Curley's wife a "rat-trap"?
When George says "Curley's got his work ahead of him," he means Curley will struggle to control his flirtatious wife, who George calls a "rat-trap" because she is dangerous and can ensnare men, leading to serious trouble. George's anger stems from the realization that any trouble with her could jeopardize his and Lennie's dream of saving money and buying their own place.
What does Whitey's departure in Chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men suggest about the lifestyle of ranch hands?
Whitey's departure highlights the transient lifestyle of ranch hands, who often leave without strong reasons or lasting connections. The swamper's reaction to Whitey's leaving underscores this norm, as he finds the question of why Whitey left almost irrelevant. The swamper recalls Whitey's habits but lacks insight into his thoughts or feelings, indicating the superficial nature of relationships among ranch hands due to their constant movement and isolation.
In Of Mice and Men, what does George mean by "pants rabbits" and how are they acquired?
In Of Mice and Men, "pants rabbits" refers to crab lice, which are parasitic insects that infest the pelvic hair and are difficult to eliminate. These lice are acquired in unsanitary living conditions, such as those in bunkhouses on ranches. George's concern about insecticide in the bunkhouse reflects his experience and desire to avoid these pests.
Explain this quote from chapter 2 in Of Mice and Men: "The old man was reassured. He had drawn a derogatory statement from George. He felt safe now and he spoke more confidently."
This quote highlights Candy's cautious nature and the pervasive mistrust among migrant workers. Candy feels reassured after George makes a derogatory comment about Curley, signaling that George can be trusted. This interaction illustrates the prevalent isolation and suspicion in the workers' world, where self-preservation is key. Steinbeck contrasts this with George and Lennie's unique bond, emphasizing their attempt to defy this norm by supporting each other.
What adjectives describe Slim in chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men?
In Chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men, Slim is described as honest, sincere, and conscientious, with a natural leadership quality. He is likened to royalty and possesses an almost mythical aura. Slim is also avuncular, offering friendly guidance to newcomers George and Lennie. His empathy and understanding are evident in his interactions with others, making him a respected figure on the ranch.
What examples in chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men show tension, suspicion, meanness, and two instances of kindness?
In Chapter 2, tension and suspicion arise when George and Lennie arrive late at the ranch, displeasing the boss and raising suspicions about their relationship. The boss's son, Curley, displays meanness by targeting Lennie due to his size. Kindness is shown by the old man who eases tensions by gossiping about Curley, and by Slim, who expresses hope that George and Lennie join his team, appreciating their work potential.
Does Curley's wife's description of her hair as "rolled clusters like sausages" convey a positive image?
No, describing Curley’s wife's hair as "rolled clusters like sausages" conveys a negative image, emphasizing her objectification by the men on the ranch. She is viewed merely as "meat" and a sexual object, reinforcing her lack of identity and worth beyond her association with Curley. The description highlights her superficial treatment and the lack of genuine interaction or respect from the men.
Why does the author use dialect and jargon in Chapter 2 of Of Mice and Men, and what's the impact?
The use of dialect and jargon in Chapter 2 serves to authentically depict the setting and characters, enhancing realism and immersion. Steinbeck employs this linguistic style to reflect the social class and lack of education of the migrant workers, reinforcing the theme of their social inferiority. It also highlights power dynamics, as the boss's more proper speech contrasts with the workers', underscoring his authority. Overall, it adds depth to the portrayal of the workers' lives and struggles.
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