As a starting activity for an Of Mice and Men revision class, we looked at the significance of names in Steinbeck’s novel. There is a theory that names in literature have been chosen by the author for a specific effect, and we definitely found this to be true! Here is what we came up with as a class:
Curley’s Wife:
Significant as she is not given a name (just like Candy’s dog). This implies her lack of power, which can only be given in association with her husband. It also implies that nobody likes her as they don’t bother to ask her name. Her real name could have been left behind with the dream. The possessive apostrophe implies that she is simply Curley’s property which links to a woman’s place in 1930s.
Lennie Small:
This is ironice as he is the largest character in the book. However, is is portrayed as mentally ‘small’ and childlike. His name Lennie, a derivation of Leonard, means lion – alluding to to his physical strength and power over others.
Candy:
Is sweet and friendly to George and Lennie as the enter the bunkhouse. He is the key to the success of the dream – giving them a ‘sweet treat’. However, Candy is also bad for you, this can relate as he makes G and L believe in their dream, which never comes true.
Crooks:
Named because of his crooked back, a derogatory term linked with his status on the farm as a black man. Like Curley’s Wife, he isn’t given a name. He does seem like a character who is difficult to get on with which also links. Crooks also has a negative connotation of criminality, showing a form of prejudice.
Curley:
His name implies that he is twisted and not straight forward. Like his curley hair, he is tightly wound up and ready to ‘spring into action’. It is a nickname, which implies a lack of respect from the others. It could also be seen as slightly mocking.
I really like this – great focus on language and meaning and easy to link to the context. A really interesting activity. Thanks.
This lesson helped me to see the different types of way you can interpret the names of different characters and, how they can also bring out a lot about the characters personality.
Nominative determination gives me something to comment on if I am every struggling to explore a character. It is an easy way to gain marks and show you are engaging with characters in depth. Thanks!
this helped me alot because i now look at characters names in more detail and make links between their personality
this lesson really helped me and jack because it taught me different things about each character and there individual personalitys through out the play. Also this will help me in the exam as i can now explain each character better.