Key Points – Chapter 5

1. Key Points – Chapter 5 • Plot - Lennie’s fate is sealed with his killing of Curley’s wife. (Climax) As with the woman in Weed and with Curley’s hand, he doesn’t know when to let go. - George realizes that the “dream” has been destroyed.

2. Themes - Loneliness We see another side to Curley’s wife: she is a victim of lost dreams and loneliness. The description of her in death shows he in a softer, more innocent light (p.92-93) - Powerlessness George has not been able to totally control Lennie and prevent him from doing bad things. He is now destined to be like the other migrant ranch workers

3. Key Points- Chapter 6 • Plot - The story has come full circle, ending where it began, at the pool in the brush (with slight but important differences in the scene description (p.99) - Tragic conclusion – the death of Lennie at the hands of George (p.106)

4. Character Lennie feels no guilt or remorse for what he has done; he just sees it as yet another “bad thing” that George will be mad about, but he still thinks he will be able to “tend the rabbits”. George’s shooting of Lennie may be considered the ultimate act of friendship; it echoes back to what Candy said about shooting his own dog and his regret that he let a stranger do it. Both Candy and George are now alone without their companions. (Theme of loneliness)