1) Describe the atmosphere of the ranch and the bunkhouse. Be sure to include characteristics of different character that were formally or informally introduced to is in this chapter. Support your choice with textual evidence.
2) Why doesn't Curley's wife have a name? What message, if anything, is John Steinbeck trying to send by not giving her a name? Support your choice with textual evidence and interpretation.
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The bunkhouse was "...a long, rectangular building..." with "...small, square windows, and...a solid door with a wooden latch." The bunkhouse was filled with bunks and shelves where the occupants could put their personal belongings. This shows that it was not very fancy looking and had just enough space and objects for what was needed.
The atmosphere of the bunkhouse seems to be a mix between friendly and mean or tense. There are friendly people, such as Slim and Candy, make the atmosphere a friendly and kind environment. Rude or mean people, such as Curley and The Boss, make the atmosphere of the bunkhouse a little negative. The ranch might be a little different considering it includes other workers, such as Lennie and George. The atmosphere might be sad or depressing because of the hard work and labor the people must do. The atmosphere could also be a kind of happy environment because the people might have that kind of attitude and vibe. The atmosphere could also be a mixture between both of those things. There will probably be some kind people, and some people that cause negative feelings.
It seems like the people at the ranch are a mixture of kind an not kind people. Slim, for example, was very kind to Lennie and George. When Slim speaks, he talks in a friendly tone and speaks with kindness. Carlson also seems to be friendly toward the George and Lennie. People, such as Curley, seems to dislike the new workers. By the way Curley fixes his body when around the two, shows his feeling towards George and Lennie. On page 25 it states, "He glanced coldly at George and then Lennie. His arms gradually bent at the elbows and his hands closed into fists, he stiffened and went into a slight crouch." This shows that Curley has some negative feelings about George and Lennie.
The Boss seemed like a guy that was strict, but understanding. It didn't question George to much when things got suspicious. Candy described him as a "...pretty nice fella...gets pretty mad sometimes, but he's pretty nice." This shows that the boss is a kind person, at least in Candy's opinion.
Candy is an "old swamper" and tries to gain trust and respect from George and Lennie. Candy gives them information on the ranch and the people there. He is very kind and helpful towards George and Lennie. Candy also has a very old dog that Carlson wants to replace with one of Slim's new pups.
I think Curley's wife doesn't have a name because in this time women were not treated equal to men. Curley's wife not having a name shows that she belongs to Curley. I think John Steinbeck is trying to send a message that says: women didn't or shouldn't have the same equal rights as men. Instead of giving her a name, Curley's wife is always referred to as "she","her", "girl", or " woman.
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