Section 3

Chapter 3

George and Slim are talking in the bunkhouse. Slim has promised Lennie he can have one of the new puppies when it is older and Lennie is very excited. They discuss how very strong and hard-working Lennie is. George tells Slim how he and Lennie came to be friends and travel around together. They are both from the same part of America and George knew Lennie’s Aunt Clara. When she died Lennie and George became good friends and began to spend their time together. George describes how Lennie trusts him completely and will do anything he says. As an example he tells how once he told Lennie to jump in a river and Lennie did so, even though he couldn’t swim and he nearly drowned. Lennie comes into the bunkhouse – he is hiding the puppy which he is carrying, but George makes him carry it straight back to its mother.

Candy comes into the bunkhouse with his dog. Carlson complains about the smell of the dog and offers to shoot it for Candy. Candy does not want to kill the dog and makes excuses not to kill it- he has had the dog for a long time and maybe it would hurt him, although Carlson insists that he wouldn’t give the dog pain. Candy tries to change the subject by looking at an old magazine, but Carlson again tells him he will shoot the dog for him – it is so old and sick it would be a kind thing to do. Candy hopes Carlson does not have a gun, but in fact he does – his gun is called a Luger. Candy then suggests they wait until tomorrow, but Carlson won’t agree and he takes the dog out to shoot him. Candy is very upset and says nothing- he lies on his bed staring at the ceiling. The other men are sorry and embarrassed- they play cards to move attention away from Candy.

Crooks, the Negro stable hand, puts his head inside the bunkhouse. He tells Slim that Lennie is handling the pups too much in the barn. Some of the men discuss going drinking and looking for women in town the next day. Curley comes into the bunk house, he is looking for his wife and is angry and excited. He goes out looking for Slim and some of the other men follow. George and Lennie keep well out of the trouble. Lennie and George discuss their dreams of owning their own farm, living in a cosy little house, growing vegetables and keeping pigs and rabbits. Candy hears their plans and asks if he can join them in the plan. He has money from when he lost his hand and some more savings. The other two men agree that he can join them in their big plan for the future. George will write to an old couple he knows who might want to sell their farm. Curley and Slim enter the bunkhouse. Slim is angry that Curley keeps thinking he is with his wife- the other men join in and tell Curley he should keep his wife under control at home. Curley is angry and says Lennie is laughing at him. He attacks Lennie, who doesn’t fight back at first, but when George tells him to hit back at Curley - he takes Curley’s hand and crushes it very badly. They have to take Curley to a doctor and they tell him he should say he caught his hand in a machine – if he tries to get Lennie into trouble, they will tell the full story and everyone will laugh at him.

Homework: Please answer the questions below based on your level--remember continue to challenge yourself!

1. Who is Slim? 
2. How does Slim react to Lennie and George's traveling together? 
3. From Carlson's point of view list words that describe Candy's dog. 

Level 1: Answer 1 out of 3 questions. Please answer in complete sentences (at least 2 sentences).
Level 2: Answer 2 out of 3 questions. Please answer in complete sentences (at least 3 sentences).
Level 3: Answer 3 out of 3 questions. Please answer in complete sentences (at least 2 sentences).

*ALL HOMEWORK MUST BE SIGNED BY A PARENT.**

DEAR PARENT/GUARDIAN, 

PLEASE REVIEW AND SIGN YOU CHILD'S HOMEWORK DAILY. 

MS. YIP

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DATE: __________________________________________