Question 1: Summarise the main themes introduced in this scene.

Answer: Loneliness, dreams of a better life, and the contrast between hope and reality.

Question 2: How does Steinbeck depict the environment of the ranch to reflect the characters' emotions?

Answer: The transient, lonely environment mirrors characters’ internal feelings of isolation and longing.

Question 3: Identify a quote from the scene that highlights one of the main themes. What is the theme?

Answer: ‘Guys like us that work on farms are the loneliest guys in the world’ — theme of loneliness.

Question 4: Explain how Steinbeck uses symbolism in the scene to represent hope.

Answer: Steinbeck uses Lennie’s dream of owning a farm as a symbol of hope and aspiration amidst their bleak reality.

Question 5: Describe Lennie’s character based on this scene. How does Steinbeck convey his innocence?

Answer: Lennie’s innocence is conveyed through his simple dreams and naivety, exemplified by his fixation on petting soft things.

Question 6: What literary technique does Steinbeck use in the quote: 'Guys like us that work on farms are the loneliest guys in the world'?

Answer: b) Direct statement

Question 7: How does Steinbeck contrast George and Lennie’s relationship with other characters’ loneliness?

Answer: Their companionship provides a contrast to the pervasive loneliness experienced by other characters.

Question 8: Identify and explain one example of foreshadowing in this scene.

Answer: Lennie’s obsession with soft things foreshadows future trouble related to his strength and innocence.

Question 9: Analyse Steinbeck’s use of language to evoke a sense of longing in the characters.

Answer: Steinbeck’s simple, direct language and recurring motifs reinforce characters’ deep yearning for companionship and stability.

Question 10: Create a short piece of creative writing (around 20 lines) imagining a character’s reflections on their unfulfilled dreams. Use descriptive language and symbolism.

Answer: