Chapter 2 Notes

Questions:

Page 20: George and Lennie are talking to this guy who was peering in with a conversation they were having with the boss. George catches the man ease dropping on their conversation, and explains how he wasn't ease dropping. This guy is explaining how the boss isn't so bad and how they spent last Christmas.

What do they mean by "If he could use his feet, Smitty says he woulda killed the nigger." (Steinbeck 20?) Why would Smitty kill the nigger? Did the nigger do anything bad to Smitty? Why can't he use his feet is he handicapped?

Predictions:

I predict that George and Lennie are going to get into a lot of trouble at this place. They are going to get into a lot of trouble with Curley. Somehow, George will get into a fight with Curly about Lennie, because straight off the bat Curley does not like Lennie. "By Christ, he's gotta talk when he's spoken to. What the hell are you gettin' into it for?" (Steinbeck 25.) Lennie is going to get into trouble with Curly and George will defend him and somehow get into their mess. Lennie will also get into trouble with Curly for falling in love with his wife. "Lennie's eyes moved down over her body, and though she did not seem to be looking at Lennie she bridled a little." (Steinbeck 31.) For, starring at his wife and probably later on in the story fiddling with her Lennie will get into deep trouble with Curley.

Summarize:

In today's reading Lennie and George went to the ranch to get started on their new jobs. They arrived late to their job and were shown to their sleeping headquarters. They then later met their new boss and were told what to do as a job after dinner. Later, they met the swamper with his old dog he started telling them about how nice the boss is and that it is great working here. Suddenly, the boss's son Curley comes and automatically dislikes Lennie, because Lennie is taller than Curley and Curley does not like tall guys, because he himself is not so tall. George and Curley get into a small argument for Lennie not responding to a question Curley asked him. They then meet Curley's wife who to Lennie is "purty." They then meet Slim he is not like the others he is nice and friendly not trying to find a fight like Curley. It is time for dinner and they are sort of happy, but not wanting to be here. They both wash up for dinner and the chapter later ends.