Of Mice and Men | Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis | John Steinbeck

Summary

In John Steinbeck's *Of Mice and Men*, Chapter 5 explores the tragic consequences of isolation and the theme of entrapment. Lenny, having accidentally killed a puppy, unintentionally ends up killing Curley's wife after a moment of misguided affection. This act seals the fate of both Lenny and the dream he shared with George. The chapter highlights the harsh reality for migrant workers, where fleeting hopes of a better life dissolve as they face the inevitable return to a cycle of loneliness and despair. George, ultimately, realizes that without Lenny, the dream of a farm is dead.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lennie accidentally kills the puppy and tries to hide it, leading to a tragic chain of events.
• 😀 Curley's wife enters the barn, and she tries to talk to Lennie despite his instructions not to speak to her.
• 😀 Curley's wife reflects on her unfulfilled dreams of traveling with a theater troupe before her marriage.
• 😀 Lennie reveals his love for soft things, which leads Curley's wife to allow him to touch her hair, despite her anger when he messes it up.
• 😀 Lennie panics when Curley's wife screams as he accidentally pulls her hair too hard, leading to her tragic death.
• 😀 Lennie, realizing his mistake, flees the scene and heads towards the pool.
• 😀 Candy enters the barn, finds the body, and returns with George, who confirms the dream of owning a farm is now over.
• 😀 The symbolic theme of entrapment reaches its peak in chapter 5, particularly in Lennie and Curley's wife's tragic interaction.
• 😀 Lennie and Curley's wife are both isolated, and their shared loneliness leads to a fatal encounter.
• 😀 George, while still holding onto the hope of the farm dream, acknowledges that without Lennie, that dream is dead and unreachable.
• 😀 The chapter illustrates the psychological and social entrapment of migrant workers, reinforcing that George's chance of escaping his lifestyle is slim without Lennie.

Q & A

Why does Lenny cover the dead puppy with hay?

Lenny covers the dead puppy with hay to hide it, fearing that George will be upset or angry if he finds out that Lenny has accidentally killed it.

What is the significance of Lenny's relationship with Curley's wife?

Lenny's relationship with Curley's wife highlights both characters' loneliness and their need for affection. This interaction leads to tragic consequences when Lenny accidentally kills her.

What does Lenny like about rabbits?

Lenny likes rabbits because he enjoys touching soft things, which gives him a sense of comfort and peace.

Why does Curley's wife become angry when Lenny messes with her hair?

Curley's wife becomes angry because Lenny unintentionally messes up her hair, not understanding the boundaries of how she expects to be treated.

How does Lenny react to Curley's wife's anger?

Lenny becomes frightened when she jerks her head away, and in his panic, he tries to quiet her by covering her mouth, leading to her accidental death.

What is Lenny's reaction after killing Curley's wife?

Lenny is deeply scared and knows he has done something terrible. He immediately leaves the scene and heads towards the pool, hoping to avoid George's anger.

How does Candy react when he learns about the death of Curley's wife?

Candy is deeply upset and asks George if the dream of owning a farm is dead. George confirms it, understanding that without Lenny, the dream cannot be realized.

What role does the theme of entrapment play in this part of the story?

The theme of entrapment is central to this section, as both Lenny and Curley's wife are trapped by their loneliness and desires for connection. Additionally, George is psychologically trapped by his responsibilities towards Lenny, which limits his opportunities.

Why does George ultimately say the dream is dead?

George says the dream is dead because without Lenny, the hope of owning a small farm with Candy is no longer possible. Lenny’s death marks the end of their shared aspiration.

What is the role of the Lynch Mob in the story's resolution?

The Lynch Mob represents the collective desire for justice and retribution after Curley's wife’s death. George’s involvement with the mob is complex, as he prepares to protect Lenny from being lynched but knows that the dream they shared is gone.