Name ___________________________
Chapter 4 Of Mice and Men discussion questions
1. Where does Crooks live on the farm? Why
2. Why does Crook have more possessions than the other ranch hands?
3. What does Crooks suggest might happen that upsets Lennie?
4. What does Crooks like to do in his spare time? What theme does this hobby manifest?
5. Who else has joined Lennie and George in sharing their American dream? (“Everybody
wants a little bit of land, not much. Jus’ som’thin that was.”)
6. How does Curley’s wife feel about her husband? Be specific.
7. How does Curley’s wife treat Crooks before she leaves? Why?
8. Why does Crooks tell George he was “jus’ foolin” at the end of the chapter?
Themes
Loneliness
1. Why does Crooks talk to a man who cannot understand what he says?
2. How does Crooks normally deal with his loneliness?
3.
How does having a dream (The American Dream) a way of overcoming loneliness?
4.
Why does Crooks volunteer to work for free?
5.
What evidence is given here that having a companion is a strong desire of many of the
characters?
6.
Crooks, Lennie, Candy, and Curley’s wife are lonely people with specific needs. Compare the
four characters and discuss what they need and want to end their respective feelings of
loneliness.
Crooks
Lennie
Candy
Curley’s Wife
Dignity and Pride
7. How does being a part of George and Lennie’s plan transform Candy?
8.
Why has Candy gotten carried away with the plan?
The American Dream
9. What other characters share a dream similar to Candy’s?
Literary Elements and Techniques
10. How is land equated with heaven? What can the working lives of the ranch hands be seen as?
Why is Crooks so cynical about the other men ever being able to achieve their dream?
11. How does Chapter 4 begin and end? What image is seen at these points in the story? How does
this device add to the feeling that nothing has changed? How does Crooks come close to
change, and why is he reminded that this will never happen? What impact does this have on the
reader?