minor characters quotes and points

1. Carlson – Represents the cruelty and emotional numbness of ranch life

2. uses Carlson to present the idea that usefulness is tied to worth

3. uses Carlson to present the loneliness, isolation and lack of companionship

1. “He ain’t no good to you, Candy” (blunt declarative – shows lack of empathy and practical brutality), “I’ll put the old devil out of his misery” (euphemistic language – masks violence as kindness) – context of ranch workers becoming hardened and desensitised due to harsh living conditions.

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2. Whit – Shows how workers cling to small distractions to escape loneliness

“He reads the magazine intently” (adverb “intently” – shows how deeply he invests in trivial entertainment), “Bill was a hell of a good hand” (nostalgic tone – reveals how men romanticise the past to cope with isolation) – context of migrant workers having little stability so they rely on stories and gossip for comfort - cowboys.

3. The Boss – Represents suspicion and the lack of trust in migrant communities

“He looked George and Lennie over” (scrutinising body language – shows immediate distrust), “I got my eye on you two” (threatening tone – reflects the constant suspicion between workers and employers) – context of union

4. The Boss is presented as distant and formal, showing the gap between workers and authority

“the boss” (no name – shows that he is respected and feared) or ( objectifies all ranch owners to being the same), “He didn’t say nothing, just stood there looking” (silent body language – creates an intimidating, detached presence) – context of Great Depression ranches where bosses kept emotional distance to maintain control and avoid forming attachments to replaceable workers.