What are some parallels and contrasts in Of Mice and Men?

Answer 1

A parallel in Of Mice and Men is that George and Lennie's dream and Curley's wife's dream (to be an actress) are never realized. Also, Candy's relationship with his dog and George's relationship with Lennie are parallels because both Lennie and Candy's dog are handicapped, and they are both dependent on their friend/master.

Related to the question:

A contrast in Of Mice and Men is that George is small and smart; Lennie is big and dumb. Also, Curley is mean and small; Lennie is nice and big.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

The paradox is Candy and his dog. Candy knew he should've shot the dog himself years ago, but didn't because it was his only friend. Because of this, Carlson shoots the dog in the back. This is a paradox of George and Lennie because George knows he should've shot Lennie when he was killing animals because George knew that one day Lennie would accidentally kill a person. The only problem is that George waited too long, and eventually had to kill Lennie after it was already too late.

Answer 3

One parallel in "Of Mice and Men" is the dream of a better life shared by George and Lennie, like Candy also shares this dream. A contrast is the loneliness and isolation felt by characters like Crooks and Curley's wife in contrast to the companionship and bonding between George and Lennie. Another contrast is the hopelessness of the ending compared to the optimism of the characters' dreams at the beginning.

Answer 4

One parallel in "Of Mice and Men" is the dream of owning a piece of land shared by George and Lennie, mirroring the American Dream. A contrast is the characters of George and Lennie themselves, with George being intelligent and practical while Lennie is simple-minded and physically strong. Another contrast is the treatment of the characters with disabilities, such as Lennie, compared to those who are considered "normal" in society.

Answer 5

George is to short and smart as Lennie is to big and mentally slow ;)

Answer 6

George tries to avoid trouble and Curley encourages it

Answer 7

Parallel: George and Lennie's dream and Curley's wife's dream: both are never realized.

Contrast: George is small and smart; Lennie is big and dumb.