Now that you have practiced identifying parallelism with George and Lennie's dream, you will apply the same method to the death of Candy's dog and Lennie. I will check this as a homework grade (20 pts), so be detailed in your response!
Remember, parallelism is a structural device that authors use on purpose! The scenes will have similarities, but the real heart of meaning can be found in the differences between the scenes.
Step 1: On a separate sheet of paper, make two columns-- label one "Death of Candy's dog" (pgs. 47-49) and the other "Lennie's death" (pgs. 104-107)
Step 2: Record details from each scene, focusing on the following questions--
1. List important details of the scene...What is the physical setting? Who is present? What is said? How does the killing occur? Who does the killing? With what? What is the reaction of other characters? What is the reaction of the main characters involved in the scene?
2. What reason is given/implied to justify the killing?
3. How does the scene end?
Step 3: Below the two columns answer the following
4. Record any specific quotes that you think are important to the mood of the scene.
5. What are the significant differences between the two scenes?
Step 4: Why do you think Steinbeck included this parallel? What purpose does it serve in the text? How does it affect you as a reader?